Fink Funeral Home

11/18/2025

Janelle Ruth (Butner) Wemple - November 9, 2025
Janelle Ruth Butner Wemple passed away peacefully o n Sunday, November 9 , 2025 a t
Renown Medical Center with her husband Bill and her sister-in-law Glenda Azevedo by her side.
Janelle loved helping people. If you needed help planning a wedding, fundraiser, o r birthday
party, Janelle would b e the person t o call. She loved to laugh and had a wonderful sense of
humor (and a way with words). She had an impeccable taste for clothing and loved collecting
shoes - "Things must match." Most importantly, Janelle looked for the positive in every
situation and did not like t o dwell on the negative.
Janelle was born in Susanville o n January 13, 1953 t o Earl Manuel Butner and Ruth
Proffitt Butner. Her sister Edna Ann was already married and out o f the house when Janelle was
born but her brother Marshall was there to welcome her home. When she was a couple years
old, her grandmother, Edna Proffitt moved in with the family. Tragically, while Janelle was i n
high school, Edna Ann was killed i n a plane crash. Janelle helped her parents care for and raise
her niece and nephew. Being surrounded by adults and older siblings, and the early death o f
Enda Ann meant that Janelle had t o grow u p quickly. In high school, Janelle started working for
Ray and Darlene Ellena at the Frontier Inn.
Janelle's family home was the gathering spot for family. Her parents moved t o the area
from Oklahoma t o find work in the lumber mill in Westwood and shortly after moved t o
Susanville. People helping people, sharing food and resources, relying on each other t o get
through tough times was what Janelle was born into and these lessons impacted her
throughout her lifetime. She described her childhood as always being surrounded by family.
Her family embraced and welcomed all, so helping family and friends was her driving force.
You did not have to be a blood relative for Janelle to consider you part o f her family.
Janelle and her husband Bill met each other in high school. Janelle went off to college
and Bill started his business and focused on establishing himself and building his clientele.
During college breaks and o n weekends, Janelle came home to visit family and friends. During
Janelle's visits, she and Bill would find themselves attending Fred and Ronda Mallery's
gatherings. Over time, the two built a great friendship that grew into more. Finally, on June 28,
1986, Bill and Janelle got married. The two loved working together i n their yard and garden and
Janelle loved getting her hands dirty. They loved entertaining their friends and family at their
home. They loved their weekend adventures and being weekend tourists. Most of all, Janelle
loved the quiet solitude o f her backyard where you would find her reading a book and enjoying
a cup o f coffee or a glass o f wine.
She attended the local elementary schools and graduated from Lassen High School i n
1971. She attended and received her Associate's Degree from Lassen Community College and
then transferred to Sacramento State where she earned her Bachelor's Degree. Janelle
returned t o the Susanville area upon graduation and did her student teaching a t Janesville
Elementary School. She was then hired a t Richmond Elementary School where she taught for
about fifteen years and then became the administrator. Due to her mom's failing health, Janelle
made a choice t o leave her administrative position to take care of her mother. During this same
time, she started teaching at Shaffer Elementary school. After almost forty years of teaching,
she retired from Shaffer i n June 2014. Unlike most retirees, Janelle did not start traveling or
pick up a hobby. Instead, she continued t o be involved in education by volunteering in
numerous classrooms and being a substitute teacher until 2024. Her favorite subject to teach
was Language Arts, but taught every grade level (K-8) and every subject. If asked, Janelle would
tell you the only difference between a kindergartener and an eighth grader was the size of their
shoes. Janelle loved teaching and loved her kids!
Janelle and Bill were raised i n different Christian faiths. After being married for a couple
years, Janelle wanted the two o f them t o fill the religious void in their lives together. They
decided t o attend the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church. Later, they started attending services
a t Sacred Heart Catholic Church. They were confirmed in 2002. Both have since become
devout parishioners. Janelle helped with Caring and Sharing and was a member on the Sacred
Heart Parish Council.
Janelle was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, her brother, her nephew Miren,
and niece Julie. She is survived by her husband of thirty-nine years, Bill Wemple, her dog Kirby,
her cat Jackson, numerous nieces and nephews, close cousins, and good friends.
The Rosary will b e held o n Friday, November 21s a t 6:00 p.m. Funeral services will b e
held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Saturday, November 22nd with a reception immediately
following in the Msgr. Moran Parish Hall. A private burial will be held at a later date. In lieu o f
flowers, please donate t o your favorite charity.

11/14/2025

In Loving Memory of Lillian Darlene Schobel
April 1, 1950 – October 18, 2025
Lillian Darlene Schobel (Darlene), 75, of Janesville, California, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2025 with her family around her.

Born in Whittier, California, on April 1, 1950, Darlene lived a life marked by strength, love, and unwavering faith.
Darlene made history in the 1970's as one of the first female correctional officers at Chino State Prison, breaking barriers in a field where few women served at the time. After several years of dedicated service, she chose to retire early and devote herself fully to her most cherished role: being a stay-at-home mom.

For the past 37 years, Darlene called Janesville, California home. There, she cultivated not just a beautiful yard and garden, but a life filled with family, faith, and purpose. She was a devoted member of her church, where she ran the sound board for over a decade and participated in countless church activities. Her love for Jesus was the cornerstone of her life. Even as her mind faded in later years, her heart remained firmly rooted in her Lord and Savior.

Darlene is survived by her loving husband, Frank Schobel; her children, Jesse Curtis, Candace Wilson , and Frankie Neal-Schobel; and her daughter-in-law Pam Curtis, and sons-in-law Jon Wilson and Joshua Neal-Schobel. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Emma, Nick, Cyndahl, Sabian, Shelby, Koletyn, Kadyn, Lillie, Francis, Eleanor, and one grandchild on the way. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren Xander, Alayah, and another soon to arrive. She was preceded in death by both her parents, stepmother, and brother.

Darlene will be remembered for her warm heart, her fierce love for her family, and her unshakable faith. She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and devotion that will continue to inspire those who knew her.

At this time, there are no plans for a public service.

11/11/2025

Hartzell -- Damian Mark 53 of Merced County, California passed away
unexpectedly on October 31, 2025. Born on September 23, 1972, in
Johnstown, Pennsylvania, son of Larry Hartzell and Ernestine McCune.
Preceded in death by father, Larry Hartzell, grandparents Paul and
Hasseltine Hartzell and Russell and Ernestine Barkhimer. Survived by
mother, Ernestine McCune (Tom), sister, Danette Hartzell, children,
Damian Hartzell (Angelica), Jayde Hartzell (Kyra), Sara Stratton, and
Mason Hartzell, grandchildren Brinley Hartzell, and soon to be born twins,
Braxton and Raelynn, special cousin Bekki Fink, special friends Janet
Butcher and Katrina Hartzell and many cousins, nephews, nieces, aunts
and uncles. Damian graduated from Barstow Community College and
Rocky Mountain Education. He was an electrical engineer who worked in
the solar power energy industry for over 25 years as a plant technician
and an OSHA Safety Coordinator. He collected fine art portraits, loved the
80’s and 90's Heavy Metal music, playing Cribbage and was a devoted
father and grandfather. He loved to cook, read Dean Koontz books and was
the family clown with an enormous sense of humor. Celebration of
Life/Memorial Services will soon be announced

10/17/2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gloria Marie Cobb on October 10, 2025 with her loving husband and best friend Terry and children by her side. Gloria was born in Turlock California on September 16, 1949 and had just celebrated her 76th birthday. Gloria was a Lassen County resident since just after her birth and lived in Janesville since 1954. She attended Janesville Elementary and was a Lassen High graduate in 1968. Gloria married the love of her life Terry L Cobb Sr in 1967 and they were married for 58 years. They started a family and were blessed with three children, Tina Dean (Pat), Terry Cobb Jr (Kerri) and Robert Cobb (Veniessa). As a family they enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting and big family gatherings. Gloria began working at Janesville School in 1984 and retired as the Cafeteria Manager in 2004. During their retirement they enjoyed traveling, camping and spending time with their eight grandchildren, Jessica Dean, Jeremy Dean (Annie), Tanner Cobb (Katy), McCoy Cobb, Tierra Honea (Kyler), Bailey Mallery (Devin), Jakob Nave and Isaak Nave. Gloria enjoyed embroidery, crocheting and quilting. She made a goal to make a special quilt for all the special people in her life, they will be forever treasured. Gloria was also a Coded General Amateur Radio operator, she was a long-time member of the Lassen Amateur Radio Club, The Amateur Radio League of America, Ten-Ten International Net and Young Ladies Radio League. She was also a long-time supporter of the Janesville Volunteer Fire Department. Gloria was so happy when her first great grandchild Kayden Dean was born. He was followed by Tyler Dean, Ashlynn Dean, Estella Dean, Rhea Dean, Kinsley Mallery and Keaton Mallery. Family meant everything to Gloria, she loved the saying, “Families that play together, stay together.” Gloria is survived by her beloved brother Fred Winters and sister Barbara Partridge as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Gloria is preceded in death by her loving parents Charles and Roberta Winters, sisters Charlotte Wolf and Margaret Harrison. A private family service will be planned at a later date as per Gloria’s wishes.

10/14/2025

Eugene Carl Edwards Sr.
March 23, 1968 – October 4, 2025
The family of Eugene Carl Edwards Sr. lovingly announces that he began his journey home on October 4, 2025, in Susanville, California — the same place where his life first began on March 23, 1968.
Eugene was the beloved son of James Lewis Edwards and Clara Edwards LeCompte. He was a devoted father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be remembered for his humor, generosity, and the deep love he carried for his family and community. His spirit will continue to guide and protect those he leaves behind.
Eugene will be laid to rest in Oroville, California, beside members of the Edwards family, including his father.
He is survived by his siblings James Edwards Jr., Rhonda Rupert, and Valerie Edwards, along with nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family, all of whom will carry his memory with love and pride.
He is also survived by his five children: Eugene Edwards Jr., Kristina Edwards, Kaylin Edwards, Mariah Edwards, and Sophia Edwards. He was a proud grandfather to Nickolas Mullen Jr. (17), Kadence Edwards-Smiles (8), and Ashton Edwards-Brown (5), who brought him endless joy and laughter.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Fink Funeral Home.
A wake will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, beginning at 6:00 p.m. and continuing through the night at the Upper Rez Church. Dinner will be provided around 6:00 p.m.
On Saturday, October 18, 2025, the family will begin travel at 8:00 a.m. to Blommer Hill in Oroville, California, where Eugene will be laid to his final resting place beside the Edwards family.
Eugene will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His journey continues through the hearts of his siblings, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and all those whose lives he touched.
“Forever in our hearts and carried with us on every path.”

10/13/2025

Tom Hester was born and raised in Susanville, retired Army Veteran, Retired CHP Officer. He started the trick or treat in uptown Susanville with the businesses in the 90's when He ran the 76 station. Survived by Wife, Amber Hester Father and Mother Gary and Karon Hester sister Marion Hester children Chalsie, Levi and Destiny Hester Pop pop to Aiyla, Jackson, Uncle to Morgan Hester, Charlotte, Elliot, and Logan. Friend to many.

10/13/2025

Juanita Lucille Lasater was born, the youngest of four, on October 25, 1955 in Loyalton California to Hollis and Audene Lasater. She remained the youngest until her early teens when her parents adopted one of her friends, giving her a younger sister. Our beloved Juanita left the pain and sadness of our earthly home and entered into the gates of Heaven in the early morning hours of Tuesday, September 30th, 2025, meeting our Lord and Savior face to face. Juanita is preceded in death by both of her parents Hollis and Audene Lasater,
her brother Hollis Eldred Lasater, her older sister Brenda Dean Cook, her brother in-laws Dean Burnett and Leo Cook, and her nephew Carl Lasater. Juanita leaves behind her oldest sister, Barbara Burnett, her younger [adopted] sister.
Juanita, a true Daddy's girl. She went from frilly dresses to jeans and shirts so she could do the ranch work she loved. As a teenager she could be found either riding her horse or playing in the hay barn. She loved doting on all of her nieces and nephews, as well as her grand nieces and grand nephews. Juanita loved rock hunting, going to the ocean, and watching movies. In her last two years when she felt up to it, she enjoyed playing cards, doing crafts, going to church services, and talking mad smack to people she played cards with. We are holding Juanita Lasater's celebration of life at 1:00PM on October 18th, 2025, at the Doyle Pentecostal Church with a pot luck style reception to follow at the Doyle Senior Center in Doyle California. There will be no public graveside service at the cemetery.

09/30/2025

Mona Rae Stokes, of Corning, passed away September 18, 2025, in Red Bluff, at St. Elizabeth Community Hospital at the age of 85.
Mona was born on November 23, 1939, in Bell California to Raymond Leo and Welda Goodwin. In 1950 her family moved to Susanville where she attended Rosevelt Elementary and Lassen High, where she met her husband Donald Louis Stokes Jr. Where they graduated in 1957 together on August 3rd, 1957. They married and were married for 68
years.
June 11th, 1965, Don and Mona were sealed together with their 3 children; Dale, Perry and Debra, in the Oakland Temple.
Mona also worked for Farmers Insurance. Don and Mona owned a furniture store on Mian St. In Susanville and they also owned Shorty's Pizza Parlor for 9 years. Shory's was a family business ran by Don, Mona, and their 3 kids. Don and Mona also ran the River-Inn and Budget Inn Motel.
Don and Mona moved to Corning in 1989, where they bought a pecan orchard.
Mona joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1964.
She held many positions in the Susanville ward. She was a cub scout leader, young women's Laurols, and relief society. When they moved to Corning in 1989, she was in the nursery for 25 years, relief society, and the beehive leader. She also was in the Soroptimist club and the adventure club in Susanville.
Mona was preceded in death by her parents, Ramond and Welda Goodwin; brothers Raymond Lynn and John Francis Goodwin; sister Wonda Louise Mallery.
She is survived by her husband, Donald Lewis Stokes Jr, of Corning California; her three children; Dale Wayne and wife Becky Stokes of Quincy California. Perry Don and Thelma Stokes of Las Vegas Nevada, and Debra Rae Stokes of Corning California; 12 grandchildren, 20 great-grand-children, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. She also has numerous nieces and nephews.
She will be greatly missed.
Services will be held and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints church in Corning, on October 17th at 11AM. Burial will be at the Corning Cemetery at 2PM.

09/30/2025

Richard Warren McBride, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2025, at the age of seventy-eight.
Born on August 16, 1946, in Lansing, Michigan, Richard lived a life marked by service, dedication, and quiet strength. He proudly served his country as a diver in the United States Coast Guard, where his courage and commitment laid the foundation for a lifetime
of service to others.
Following his military service, Richard channeled his enterprising spirit into a number of roles. He was a small business owner, a volunteer firefighter, and later an engineer for the phone company-each role reflecting his deep sense of responsibility, curiosity, and care for the people and world around him.
Richard had an abiding love for the outdoors, whether it was hiking, camping, or simply enjoying the quiet beauty of nature. He had a sharp wit, a warm smile, and an ever-present sense of humor that brought joy to friends and family alike.
Richard will be remembered most for the love and loyalty he showed his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Sue McBride; his brother and sister-in-law, Ron and Sharon McBride; his daughters, Dr. JoAnna McBride-Fleming and Jennifer Baldwin; his five cherished grandchildren: Christian and Sydney Trussell, and Katherine, Callie, and Cole Baldwin; and his step children Chris and Karlee Beaver, and step-grandson Jayden. His quiet guidance, dry humor, and loving presence in their lives will be missed beyond measure, and his legacy will live on through them.
Those who knew Richard will remember him for his strength, kindness, humility, and steady presence. Whether offering a helping hand, a thoughtful and likely creative solution, or a quiet word of encouragement, Richard made an indelible impact on the lives he touched. His memory will be held close by his family and friends, who are grateful for the time they had with him and the values he passed down.
Richard Warren McBride will be remembered for his unwavering kindness, humble strength, and the deep love he shared with his family and community. He will be dearly
missed.

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09/25/2025

08/26/2025

Obituary for Thomas Joseph Woginrich, Sr.
Thomas (Tom) Joseph Woginrich, Sr., 82, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2025, with his family by his side. A proud Navy veteran, devoted Christian, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Tom lived a life defined by faith, service, and dedication to his family and community.
Born on March 12, 1943, in Walnutport, Pennsylvania, Tom was the eldest of two children born to Joseph and Catherine Woginrich. He attended Northampton High School, before enlisting in the United States Navy. He proudly served four years aboard the USS Kearsarge as an electronics technician, with deployments to the Philippines, Vietnam, and Hong Kong. During his tour, he took part in the recovery of two Project Mercury space capsules before receiving an honorable discharge.
After his military service, Tom moved to Southern California where he took a position as a cable splicer with General Telephone & Electronics (GTE). At GTE, he met Linda, whom he married in 1965. Together they had three sons—Tom Jr., Mike, and David. Along the way, he earned an Associate of Arts degree from the College of the Desert in Palm Desert, California.
In 1977, Tom moved his family to Litchfield, California, where he continued his career as a cable splicer with Citizen’s Utilities and became a dedicated community member. He coached his sons’ football and baseball teams, served as President of the Babe Ruth Baseball League, and in 1983 spearheaded the project to install the first lighting system at Arnold Field at Lassen High School, bringing Friday night football to Susanville.
In the mid-1980s, along with moving into a role as an Engineer with Citizen’s Utilities, Tom discovered a passion for endurance sports. What began as daily bike rides to and from work soon grew into competitive cycling, running, and swimming. He went on to qualify for and run the Boston Marathon five consecutive years and continued competing in marathons, biathlons and triathlons well into his early 70s.
After his children were grown, Tom moved to Arizona, where he continued working for Citizens Utilities (later Frontier Communications). While living in Kingman, he met Deatra (Dee). Tom and Dee married in October 1996 and later settled in Susanville, where they shared a home together for nearly 29 years. Tom retired from Frontier Communications in 2010 but remained active, including his races, and actively travelling with Dee throughout their retirement years.
Faith was a cornerstone of Tom’s life. A devoted member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, he faithfully attended mass every Saturday and, in April 2013, joined the Knights of Columbus, where he earned the 4th Degree of Knighthood. He dedicated countless hours volunteering for the church and its events, always ready to lend a helping hand.
Tom is survived by his loving wife Dee; his three sons, Tom Jr., and his wife Tamie, Mike and his partner Tracy, and David and his girlfriend Jen; his brother, Charlie; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; several close cousins, and Dee’s extended family, whom he dearly cherished.
Thomas Joseph Woginrich, Sr. served his country, his church, his community and his family with love and honor. He will be remembered for his deep faith, patriotism, boundless energy, and steadfast devotion to his family and community. His legacy of love, faith and perseverance will live on in all who knew and loved him.
A Memorial Mass for Tom will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Susanville at 11am, with a Celebration of Life to immediately follow at the Monsignor Moran Hall.

08/24/2025

In one of the Stars, I shall be living In one of them, I shall be laughing And so it will be as if all the stars were Laughing when you look at the sky at night
The Little Prince
Antoine de Sasint-Exupery
June 26, 1949-August 6, 2025
Janice Louise Thomson, also known as Janilou and the Queen Bee, passed away at the age of 76 on August 6, 2025, in Reno Nevada. She was born in Los Angeles County, Ca on June 26, 1949, to Robert Thomson and Kathryn Amador Thomson. The eldest of three children, Janice grew up at the family home, Thomson Stables, in South Pasadena, CA. Her love of her horses (Red) dogs (Mugs), cats (Miss Kitty) and assorted other animals were a lifelong passion. Janice was joined by sister Linda and brother Allen which completed their family. The Thomson horse boarding stable was originally Thomson Swiss dairy, begun by their Grandfather Peter McKenna Thomson at the turn of the century. The stable was a busy place where Janice grew up with Hotrods, motorcycles and racing, also horses and dogs, customers and friends, and many family celebrations under huge trees and expansive lawns.
Janice began school at Lincoln Elementary in South Pasadena. She continued her education at junior high school and graduated from South Pasadena High in 1967. Janice was outgoing, adventurous and independent, making lifelong friends through the years. She was also a devoted big sister and cousin to her large family. A part of her Harley Davidson motorcycle group, she earned the moniker
"Queen Bee". She was a serious Harley Davidson fan; riding, joining a club and collecting all things, Harley. She loved her family, friends, pets, and those she met from early life in South Pasadena, who worked in San Diego and Santee, through her last years in Janesville and Susanville. She kept the Thomson tradition of joke gifts, wind up toys, talking skeletons, and the love of pigs and wind chimes. Janice will be remembered by her extended family and lifelong friends by her humor, loud and outgoing nature, love of all things Harley Davidson. She was a devoted member of the Thomson and Amador families, and her lifelong friends. Janice is survived by her daughter Lucy, brother Allen, sister Linda, niece Melissa, nephews Emerson, Patrick, and Timothy, also grandnephews and grandnieces. Surviving Janice are uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends. She was proceeded in death by her parents Bob and Kathryn Thomson, various cousins and relatives, and longtime friends.
A celebration of Janice's life will be at a later date through online media.
Death does bring changes and adjustments for those who are left behind. The warmth and associations of former days are gone. The silence, the finality, the incommunicability disturbs, but for the one who has triumphed, there is rejoicing. One grieves, yet we would not want our grief taken from us, even if it could be, for our love is wrapped up in our grief. Grief is the price and gift of our love. Love is eternal; death is a horizon, and the horizon is only the limit of our sight. Death is not extinguishing the light but putting out the lamp because the dawn has come. She has taken her bright candle and is gone into another room I cannot find. But anyone can tell where she has been, by all the little lights she leaves behind. Sr. Laura Moellman, O.F.M.