Empire Mortuary Services

02/20/2026

Fred Hollenback passed away in January 21, 2026 at the age of 93. Celebrating of Life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Bragg on April 11th

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02/13/2026

01/30/2026

Obituary For Patricia Ann Saavedra
Pat Saavedra, age 79, passed away at home surrounded by her family. She attended school in Hopland and worked as a beautician and cook. She was known as someone who would give the shirt off her back to anyone in need. Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Melba and Ernest Hardin, and her daughter, Janice Jojola. She is survived by her children, Barbara PeopDelValle, Marc Saavedra, Natalia Saavedra, and Nick Saavedra; her sister, Deloris Hardin; her brother, Rex Hardin; her grandchildren, Elysia, Raymond, Janice, Amber, Athyna, Marc Angelo, Nadel, and Aiyana; and her great-grandchildren. She will be deeply missed.

01/17/2026

Obituary For Marshall Edwin Wallace
Marshall Edwin "Ed" Wallace was born on May 13, 1935 to Marshall Moody, and Marietta Georgia Wallace.

He met the Love of his life (Arlene Joanne Ehret) in Luther League at the St Paul's Lutheran Church in Montebello, California.

They married on May 18, 1957 at the same Church. They had their first child, Terri Lynn two years later. Brian Keith was born three years later, and then Kevin Scott completed the family in 1965.

Ed worked for his father-in-law until October 1967 when he moved the family up to Northern California to branch out on his own, where he worked for Stow Manufacturing Co. out of Binghamton, New York.

Ed and Arlene began their life in Northern California in a cozy little town just north of San Rafael, called Terra Linda. Arlene wasn't convinced she wanted to stay in Northern California at first, but soon came to appreciate the beauty of the area along with the bravery of her husband to seek a better life for his family.

Two years later, the couple sold their home in Hacienda Heights, Ca and set down roots by purchasing the home they would finish raising their family and begin their retirement in, in Novato, California. They ended up living there for 30 years, raising the kids, making life-long friendships, creating memories, and establishing themselves in the community as well as the local Lutheran Church. (Good Shepherd Lutheran)

As his children grew older, Ed wanted a reason for the kids to want to hang around with the family, especially during the summer months so he purchased a boat! It worked! The family spent many summers water-skiing!

Ed is survived by all his children; Terri Dick, Darwin Dick (SIL), Brian Wallace, Kevin Wallace, Julie Wallace (DIL)

Grandchildren; Travis Grey, Taylor Grey, Jerrica Cable, Tucker Grey, Brandon Wallace

Ethan Wallace, & Brianna Wallace. (& 5 step grandchildren)

Great Grandchildren; Trevor Grey, Tyler Grey, Hailie Grey, Jace Grey, Jesslyn Sandlin, Derik Sandlin, Nicolette Stogner & Alby Grey (& 11 step great grandchildren)

As well as his sister, Linda Sue Hermann.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to a worthy cause for Veterans or a local Hospice.

12/07/2025

Obituary For Kathleen A. Rippey
We grieve the passing of our extraordinary friend, Kathy Rippey, in Willits, California on November 27th. She was one of those exceptional humans you feel privileged to know.
Rippey (as most knew her) leaves behind her niece, Kristine Storti of Phoenix, brother-in-law Rob Still of Milwaukee, and her beloved cat Ry Cooder. She is also survived by countless friends made through a life richly lived in Wisconsin, New Orleans and California. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Jeannette Rippey, and sister Pamela Still.
Rippey’s life was interwoven with music and it’s world, starting with working in her father’s Waukesha music store growing up. Along the way she did other jobs like paralegal, grant writing and other work, but made sure to always keep a hand in the music world.
Eventually she realized her dream of moving to New Orleans, which became her beloved adopted home. While there, she proudly worked and wrote for Offbeat Magazine, the preeminent source of New Orleans music culture and business. She remained a life-long advocate of all things NO’s music. After being blown out of the city by Hurricane Katrina, she found a new home with old friends in northern California.
She was an avid reader and a dedicated follower of community issues wherever she lived. In Willits, she found a music home at a satellite station of KZYX, Mendocino County’s public radio station. There she had her own New Orlean’s music show, “Get On Up” and was also most recently deeply involved with fundraising and other work for the expansion of the station network’s home.
Rippey was a fierce advocate for fairness, equality and justice and remained politically minded to the end. When she could no longer hit the streets, she instead stayed involved by signing every online petition that mirrored her beliefs, and speaking her truth to all who would listen.

Her spirit and heart will forever spark us who knew her.

Celebrations of Life are planned for both Milwaukee, WI and Willits, CA in 2026, time
and place to be announced. Please email rippeyscelebration@gmail.com if you would
like to be notified when details of the life celebration(s) are available.

In lieu of flowers, donations to support her beloved KZYX’s building project would be
appreciated https://www.kzyxbuildingfund.org/
or to her beloved NO’s music home, Offbeat Magazine https://www.offbeat.com/

From stardust we come. To stardust we return.

11/20/2025

Obituary For George Charles McCoy
Today we honor a man who spent his years showing the world what strength, sacrifice, and love truly look like.

George Charles McCoy was born on August 3, 1938, in Sonoma County to George Nichols McCoy and Marcelena “Lena Olga” Giacopazzi. He was the second of eight children. He maintained meaningful ties to Minnesota, as well as to Sonoma, Lake, and Mendocino Counties, before ultimately making Ukiah, CA, his home for the remainder of his adult life.

Life was not easy for George in the beginning. Despite every challenge, he stepped into responsibility long before most children even understand it. He never complained—he simply did what needed to be done. Through hard work, grit, and determination, he built a life he was proud of. He succeeded not because anything was handed to him, but because he refused to give up. He worked hard his entire life, not for recognition, but to provide for the people he loved.

George passed away on November 12, 2025, surrounded by family who loved him deeply.

Viewing and final goodbyes for Mr. McCoy will be held at Empire Mortuary in Ukiah, CA, on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 1–4 PM.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Georgia McCoy; his children, Robert McCoy and Stephanie McCoy Clark; and his grandchildren, Mya McCoy, Megan McCoy Clark Fletes, Jayce Clark, and Colton Clark. He is also survived by his brothers James McCoy and Ira McCoy; his niece Lisa Hill; his nephews Bobby McCoy and Alan McCoy; and his lifelong friend and family member Alan Goodman.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Toni McCoy; his brother, Bob McCoy; his parents; and many other beloved family members.

May we honor his memory by living with the same strength, loyalty, and love that he showed every day of his life.

11/17/2025

On this day of thanks, may you find comfort in the love of family and friends

11/14/2025

Obituary For Gino Porzio

On Saturday, November 8, 2025, Gino Porzio passed peacefully into the next life at 82 years. Gino was born on October 14, 1943, in Ukiah, California. He was raised by his loving father Luigi (1891-1956) and mother, Gina (1899-1987), alongside his sister Rosalie Montgomery (1921-1997), Luisa (1923-1926), and brother Frank Porzio on Porzio Lane in Ukiah.

Gino was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 49 years, Frances “Diane” Porzio, who passed on July 20, 2020. He is survived by his four sons: Ryan (Gay), Kevin (Desiree), Scott, and Shane.

Gino was a proud native of Ukiah. In his early years, he worked at the Palace Hotel, rode his Vespa through town, and longed for Diane while she was away at Rio Lindo Adventist Academy. On weekends, he would ride out to visit her or take scenic drives to the coast—small adventures that reflected his deep devotion.

Gino and Diane were married in July 1973. While working as an electrician for B&F Electric, they purchased a small home, big backyard, where they raised their four boys. Family was everything to Gino. He took them camping every year in their trailer, cheered them on at countless BMX races, soccer, basketball, and football games, and even coached baseball for several seasons.

In 1990, Gino took on a unique project—purchasing the historic Bittenbender house for just one dollar. He removed the roof and interior walls and relocated the structure to 211 South Spring Street, where it found new life. This endeavor was a testament to his resourcefulness and determination.

Gino loved his family deeply, and he had a special place in his heart for all of his dogs. He was a man of quiet strength, unwavering loyalty, and gentle humor. His legacy lives on in the lives of his children, the memories he created, and the values he instilled.

He will be remembered for his kindness, his craftsmanship, and the love he gave so freely.

May he rest in peace, reunited with Diane, and forever cherished in our hearts.

SERVICE will be held at the Empire Mortuary on November 22, 2025, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.

11/05/2025

Honoring the courageous men and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting our freedom. Happy Veterans Day!