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Hooper and Weaver Mortuary, 459 Hollow Way, Nevada City, CA (2026)

01/26/2026

Jace Daniel Ibañez, age 10, of Grass Valley, California, was called home to be with the Lord on December 19, 2025, following a tragic vehicle accident. Born on April 25, 2015, in Grass Valley, Jace lived a life filled with love, faith, and purpose far beyond his years.

Jace was the beloved son of Theresa Peters and Brian Ibañez, and a treasured brother to Olivia Barney and Antonio Ibañez. He brought light and joy to everyone who knew him through his gentle heart, quiet strength, and genuine kindness. Jace had a special way of making others feel valued, and his compassion left a lasting mark on his school, teams, and community.

A student at Union Hill School, Jace enjoyed running cross country and proudly played for the Nevada Union Jr. Miners football team. Known as a dedicated and selfless teammate, he earned a place on the All-Star Team during his final season—an honor that reflected not only his athletic ability, but his character, perseverance, and leadership.

Jace is survived by his parents; his sister and brother; grandparents; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. While his time on earth was heartbreakingly short, his life was rich with love and faith. His family finds peace in knowing Jace is now whole and joyful in Heaven, running free and resting in God’s eternal care.

A funeral service celebrating Jace’s life will be held on January 31, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Twin Cities Church, 11726 Rough & Ready Highway, Grass Valley, California

01/24/2026

Eric Ness

March 13, 1967 – January 15, 2026

Eric Ness, lovingly referred to as "Elmo" by his family and close friends, passed away on January 15, 2026, at the age of 58, surrounded by his family.

He is survived by his children, Colton, Dallas, and Ashley; his grandson, Landon; his mother, Marylin; his brother, Brian; his sister and brother-in-law, Johanna and Paco Garcia; and his nephews, Fisher Ness, Justin Garcia, and Mateo Garcia. He was preceded in death by his father, Theodore.

Taken from us far too soon, Eric had only just begun the retirement he earned after 38 years with Teichert Construction. He loved cruising backroads in his Jeep, hunting, and snapping pictures of the wildlife and landscapes he encountered. He especially loved his trips to Fort Bragg, where he spent his days kayaking and searching for sand dollars along the shore.

Witty, sensitive, and deeply loving, Eric brought laughter wherever he went. He will be remembered with deep affection and will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved him.

01/23/2026

Wanda Arlene “Warden” Wilder
April 30, 1935 – January 4, 2026

Arlene (aka “Warden”) Wilder passed January 4, 2026 with her daughters by her side.

Wanda Arlene was born to William and Florence (Peterman) Gillander in Sacramento, California.

Arlene lived in Folsom, CA with her family before moving to Grass Valley where she attended Mount Saint Mary's School until she went on to attend Grass Valley High School graduating with the Class of 1952. While in high school Arlene was proud to be a baton majorette and also singing a song solo at her graduation.

Arlene met the love of her life, upper classman, Bob Wilder while in high school dating for two years before they married April 7, 1951. Bob gave Arlene the nickname “Warden” and always called her Warden. Arlene cherished her nickname and would introduce
herself by that name. Many people besides Bob would call her Warden also not ever knowing her name was Arlene and that was okay.

Arlene and Bob lived in Marysville, Yuba City, Pinole and Sacramento, California before returning to Grass Valley in 1958 buying a small ranch off of Wheeler Cross Road building a life there with their three children, living on what is known as The Wilder Ranch for 60 plus years before their passing.

Arlene had a few part-time jobs over the years outside of their home but the most important jobs she was most proud of was being wife and partner to Bob, homemaker and mother to their three children and of course Nana to all of her grandchildren.
As a homemaker she loved to bake, iron clothes which she found relaxing and loved to embroidery on pillow cases and dish towels until arthritis stopped her embroidery. Over the years Arlene baked many cookies, pies and pasty's not just for family but for
friends too and maybe you were one to enjoy them also.

Arlene and Bob were married 72 years and dated for two years in high school, so were together a total of 74 years before Bobs passing in 2023. With the love and soul mate of her life gone, Arlene “Warden's” heart ached and grief was unbearably hard for her to accept. Now with her passing, imagine them happy together dancing their dance.

Arlene is survived by daughter Laureen Price, son John (Debbie) Wilder, daughter Melisa “Lee” Wilder and their families, 18 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren, brother-in-law Richard (Karen) Wilder, and sister-in-law Maria Elena Wilder, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, sisters Florence (Paul) Steuware, Margaret (Loyall) Henderson, and Jean (Vern) Rakich, in-laws Willard and Sylvia Wilder, sisters and brother-in-laws Delores (Phil) Gemmill, Dorothy Hoffman, Doris (Stan) Penaluna, and Ron Wilder, son-in-law James C. Price, grandchildren Zackary Mabbett, Jana Price, Karen Price Hannum and great-grandson Walker Price.

Burial will be conducted by Hooper & Weaver Mortuary at a later date and a Celebration of Life in the Spring. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite charity or to Partners in Care Hospice, 560 Wall Street, Suite F, Auburn, CA 95603, in memory of Wanda Arlene Wilder. Thank you.

To Sierra View Senior Assisted Living, Lisa and Staff Thank you for your care and friendship to Arlene “Warden” and to our family. Also, thank you to the residents for your friendship and caring too, all appreciated.

Thank you to those at Partners in Care Hospice for the comforting care you gave Wanda Arlene Wilder at this time of her life and for your concern for family.

01/22/2026

Similoni Filikitonga

August 02, 1967 – September 2, 2025

Generous, kind, multi-talented and joyous. Willing to step in at any time, whenever and wherever there was a need. He was deeply loved and appreciated by his friends and longtime colleagues. His musical talent and contributions raised many spirits.

Born on August 02, 1967, in Kolonga on the island of Tongatapu in the Kingdom of Tonga. Simi was one of 11 brothers and sisters. After a brief time in Texas, Simi moved to the island of Maui, Hawaii.

Similoni was a loving family man with two daughters, Setaita Tae and Mele Ofa with his first wife Ana.

In 2004, Simi moved with his wife, Diana to Nevada City, California.

He leaves behind his wife, Diana of 29 years; his daughter Setaita, husband Seniti, and their two children, Ana and Kasa. His daughter, Mele Ofa, and her husband, Tevita and their six children, Meleane Lupe, Heuifalelilo, Pelenaise, Enikoni, Losana, and Funaki.

01/17/2026

Ernest Stair Obituary

Ernest Stair

1938 – December 5, 2025

Ernest Stair passed away December 5, 2025, in Gridley, CA at the age of 87. He was born in West Virginia in 1938 and moved to Cedar Ridge when he was 9. He went to Union Hill Elementary School, graduated from Nevada Union High in 1956, then joined the navy.

He met Sherry Cellen in 1954 and they married in 1958. They lived in El Centre until he finished the navy, then moved to Folsom where he worked at Aero Jet General and went to college for an Accounting Degree. They moved to San Rafael, CA in 1964 and worked for an accounting firm until he got his license in 1968 and opened his accounting firm. He spent weekdays doing books and weekends doing his favorite pastime, dirt bike riding. He was a member of the Marin Co Motorcycle Club, Dierra Old Timers and a lifetime member of American Motorcycle Association. He retired in 1998, moved into a motor home and traveled all US states, Canada, Mexico, went to several European countries. He ended up in Yuma Arizona in 2001, gave up motorcycling and took up desert jeep riding. He moved to Gridley in Jan 2025 to be near family due to health issues.

He is survived by his wife Sherry of 67½ years, 2 sons, 6 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren, sister in Grass Valley and several relatives. He was laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery in Grass Valley.

01/17/2026

Major Carroll J. Riley

October 15, 1930 – December 28, 2025

Major Carroll J. Riley, known as Rip, passed away peacefully at home on December 28, surrounded by his family. He was 95 years old.

Rip was born on October 15th, 1930, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, the eldest of three children. In 1953, he began a distinguished 22-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps.

While stationed in Paris, France, as an Embassy Marine, he met his beloved wife of 63 years, Tina. He later served in the Vietnam War, where he found time to volunteer at the P**c Tan Catholic Orphanage. After retirement, Rip and Tina moved to Nevada City, making it their home for 50 years. Working at Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital and volunteering with hospice, he continued his life of service.

Rip is survived by his wife, his three children, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He will be remembered not only as a proud Marine but also as a loving husband and father, a lifelong learner, history buff, and nature enthusiast. His sincerity and strength of character touched all who knew him.

01/15/2026

John Pratt
June 10, 1948 – November 21, 2025

John Timothy Pratt, 77, passed away November 21, 2025 in Grass Valley.

Graveside services for family and friends will be held on Friday, January 30, at 11:00 a.m. at Greenwood Memorial Gardens
Cemetery 10848 Rough & Ready Highway, Grass Valley. Full military
honors will be rendered by the Nevada County All Veterans Honor Guard and United States Navy. A reception will immediately follow at the Grass Valley Veterans Building, 255 South Auburn Street, Grass Valley.

John was born on June 10, 1948 in Ravenna, Ohio to Willis and Margaret Pratt. The family moved to Grass Valley when John was seven. He graduated from Nevada Union High School with the class of 1967. In 1968, he joined the United States Navy where he
served on board the USS Ticonderoga. He served from 1968-1974, including time in Vietnam.

Upon his return to Grass Valley, he went to work at NID
where he began his career that spanned for over 30 years. In his younger years, he enjoyed coaching his sons soccer teams. He loved putting together clay models and painting miniature civil war figures.

He was a long time member of the Grass Valley American
Legion Post #130 and the VFW Post #2655 of Nevada City. He was Sergeant Guard of the meetings of the American Legion, and served on the All Veterans Honor guard who provided last military honors for all veterans in Nevada County. He was also a member of
the Color Guard of the American Legion. He was also a longtime member of the “I Don't Give A S**t Club” at the previously owned Bunce's Bar.

He is survived by his two sons John and Jeff Pratt of Grass Valley, grandchildren Romie, Rio, Shayanne, Hannah, and Colby, and great grandson Griffin, and twin brother Ted Pratt. He's predeceased by his sister Rebecca Pratt and his parents.

Services are under the direction of Hooper & Weaver
Mortuary.

01/15/2026

Harold "Hal" E. DeGraw

December 22, 2025

Harold "Hal" E. DeGraw - a well-respected man, dedicated public servant and faithful supporter of the Nevada County community - passed away unexpectedly on December 22, 2025, at the age of 82. Known for his steady, quiet commitment to everything he did, his life embodied the Rotary motto, "Service Above Self."

Born in Mason City, Iowa, to Edward and Vera DeGraw, Hal grew up on the family farm, where he learned responsibility and the value of hard work. In his youth, he excelled in every endeavor, from achieving the rank of Eagle Scout to graduating as his high schools Salutatorian.

He initially considered a career as an architect, influenced by his towns connection to Frank Lloyd Wrights Prairie School, but ultimately chose a different path when he enrolled at the University of Oklahoma (Go Sooners!). After graduating, like so many Midwesterners in search of warmer winters, Hal headed to San Francisco to attend Hastings Law School, where he pursued his law degree and served on the Law Review. This marked the beginning of his 51-year legal career in California.

After time in private law practice in Southern California - where he married Joanne Davenport and helped raise his stepchildren, Jill and Bob - Hal answered a call in 1988 from Nevada County to continue his career in the County Counsel's Office. Serving as Chief Deputy, Assistant, and Interim County Counsel, he became the county's expert in Land Use and a trusted advisor to the Planning Commission. He also served as the Attorney for Nevada City for a decade through the law firm Jones & Mayer. One of his proudest achievements was in helping Nevada City acquire Sugar Loaf Mountain. Hal loved practicing law in Nevada County and was well respected by his peers. He retired after 32 years of local public service.

Outside his professional life, Hal was truly a Citizen of the World and happiest when helping others. As a charter member of the 49er Breakfast Rotary Club of Nevada City, he participated in local projects as well as humanitarian missions to Nepal, Uganda, Papua New Guinea, Peru, and Colombia. He was honored with the California State Assembly's Humanitarian of the Year Award, the Rotary International Presidents Citation for Meritorious Service, and the Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital Foundations Humanitarian of the Year Award.

Hal also found time to serve on the board of the Nevada Union High School Scholarship Committee, portrayed President Rutherford B. Hayes in the Marching Presidents, and founded the Nevada County Pétanque Club, introducing many to the game he loved. While traveling in France, he once asked to join a local group for a round and surprised them by proudly winning! He also gathered a weekly coffee klatsch of his longtime friends, who miss him dearly. As one friend described him, "He was a great listener and didn't talk a lot-but when he did, we all listened."

When time allowed, Hal was an avid reader, loved skiing and traveling. He also enjoyed animation and all things Disney. He will be missed walking to Java Johns for his morning mocha and cinnamon roll, and for keeping up with local downtown happenings.

Above all, Hal was a family man. He married Barbara DeGraw in May 1994 and was a loving and devoted husband and father. His daughter, Taylor, shared that he was the best father - always there for the moments that mattered most. His stepdaughter, Jill, agreed, saying Hal was absolutely the best dad and how very lucky she was to have him in her life. Hal was smart, good, kind, trustworthy, and steadfast. His stepson, Bob, added that he was also "patient, tolerant, compassionate, empathetic, endlessly curious, adventurous, funny, and playful person." If you didn't know him, you missed out on a truly good soul.

Hal is survived by his wife, Barbara; children Taylor DeGraw, Jill (Tom) Cotten, and Bob (Cori) Davenport; grandchildren EJ, Joanne, Luke, and Lance; and great-grandchild Henley. He is also survived by his sisters Laura (Howard, deceased) Shanks, Ruth (Ken) Rice, sister-in-law Rosie DeGraw and his Texas family by his first wife. He was predeceased by his brother Lyle DeGraw, his first wife Joanne DeGraw, and his parents, Vera and Edward DeGraw.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Nevada City, CA at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable donation to Rotary (49er Breakfast Rotary Club of Nevada City), the Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital Foundation, or a charity of your choice that reflects the life of Hal.

01/10/2026

Patricia Schaefer Kubich

April 20, 1948 – November 30, 2025

Patricia Schaefer Kubich, 77, passed away on November 30th at her home in Grass Valley. Patti was born on April 20, 1948, to Leonard & Patricia Schaefer. She attended local schools and graduated from Nevada Union High School in1966. She married David Kubich on May 7, 1966.

She worked many years as a checker at the Grass Valley Safeway. Patti enjoyed fun times with her girlfriends in a group they formed and named Delta Nu. Patti was highly spirited and lived her life to the fullest. She believed in working hard and playing hard. Known to many as the Life of the Party she will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her daughters, Sandi & Amee Kubich, brother Robert Schaefer (Kimberly), Brother-in-law Mark Kubich (Jessica), Sister-in-Law Marsha McHugh along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband and parents. Services will be held at a later date.

01/06/2026

Frank Pendola
December 28, 1943 – December 16, 2025

Frank Pendola passed away December 16, 2025 at his
home in Nevada City, CA. He was 81 years old.

A Celebration of Life and Open House for both Frank
and Carol will be held on January 10th from 12:00pm –
3:00pm at their home in Nevada City.

Frank was born December 28, 1943 in Nevada City to
Frank and Dolores Pendola. He married Carol Foote on
September 4, 1965. The two welcomed their first
daughter Tiffany in 1967, then Daphne in 1969, and
Amy in 1978. Frank worked in the timber industry for
his whole life, the early years at Brunswick Timber
Products, then Yuba River Lumber and Sierra Timber
Products in Gardnerville, Nevada.

He enjoyed snow skiing, going out on the boat with
family and friends, traveling with Carol and the girls to
horse shows, hunting and playing golf with his buddies
and summer trips to Lake Tahoe.

At an early age, Frank was given the nickname "Tuffy"
and he lived up to the that name throughout his lifetime.
He was our rock and our calm through the storms and
will be missed more that he could imagine.

He is survived by daughter Daphne Pendola Hawkins
and husband Doug of Grandview, Texas, daughter Amy
Pendola Weizer and husband Rob of Roseville, CA,
grandsons Josh Hawkins of Grandview, Texas and
Drew Weizer of Roseville, CA, and brother Pat Pendola
and wife Rose of Gardnerville, Nevada.

Frank is preceded in death by his wife Carol Pendola,
daughter Tiffany Pendola, parents Frank and Dolores
Pendola and sisters Catherine Presser and Joan
Pendola.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Jude
Children's Research Hospital.

01/05/2026

JOHN (GRIFF) HARRY GRIFFIN

John (Griff) Harry Griffin passed away after a long illness at his home in Nevada City on December 23, 2025. His wife, Pam, was at his side.

He was born on May 24,1949 to Clare Wilbur Griffin and Muriel Martin Spaulding in Palo Alto, California,

The family moved to Nevada City in 1954 when the company John’s father worked for, Litton Engineering Laboratories, moved here from the bay area. John went through local schools graduating from Nevada Union High School in 1967. He then moved to Oregon to attend Oregon State University in Corvallis.
During his first year in Oregon, he met his future wife on a blind date in Eugene, home of the University of Oregon. That fall he moved to Eugene to be closer to Pam. They married in August of 1969. After completing college, they both got jobs in their chosen careers and stayed in Oregon for another five years

In 1975 John received an offer of a job in Grass Valley and gladly accepted the opportunity to move back to Nevada County. He worked as a welder, machinist, shop maintenance, and later, after computers became commonplace, he learned to write programs and operate computer operated machinery.

John retired in 2016 and enjoyed being able to spend more time with the Nevada County Astronomers Club. He was a co-founder of the club and one of its long-term presidents. He and Pam were also able to get some traveling done prior to some bad news in 2021.

In 2021, after being urged by his wife to see his doctor about his shortness of breath, he was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, a disease that gradually destroys the lungs ability to expand and breath in oxygen.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 11 AM. It will take place at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, located at the corner of Nevada and High Streets in Nevada City, CA. A reception will take place at the Church after the service.

The Family asks that in lieu of flowers you please think of sending a check to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church’s Endowment Fund. The mailing address is 202 High Street, Nevada City, CA 95959.

01/05/2026

10/19/1949-10/24/2025

Charles Edward Zimmerman was born on October 19, 1949, in Compton, California to Horace and Elizabeth Zimmerman. He earned a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from Whittier College and worked for several years at Universal Studios
and retired from Cisco Systems. Charlie passed from this earth on October 24, 2025, aged 76 years, from a sudden cardiac event.

Charlie had been a software engineer most of his adult life and was a woodworker by avocation. He and his friend John Cooney and Cal Sloan designed and built several items, including an altar and a pulpit for the Unitarian Universalist Church in Redwood
City.

He was kind, intelligent, and had a lovely deep bass singing voice. Music was his joy, and he sang locally with the Sierra Master Chorale, Music in the Mountains, and during the summer, with Stan Thomas Rose’s Trinity Community Choir, as well as with choirs
in the Bay Area. Laura and Charlie had also sung in a madrigal group in Redwood City. Charlie was an avid reader and read many books to his wife Laura.

Charlie was the beloved husband of Laura Zimmerman. They loved each other truly, madly, and deeply. They have two amazing daughters, Cherise and Athena, nine grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

He leaves behind many friends, and he will be greatly missed. In lieu of cards or flowers, please make contributions to the Interfaith Food Ministry in Grass Valley.

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