Trinity Alps Funeral Home

04/06/2026

Obituary of Ed Whitchurch

Ed was born on December 18, 1935, in Pomona, California, to Daniel Whitchurch, Sr., and Betty Hatti (Tucker) Whitchurch. He was the oldest of eleven children. His early childhood was spent in southern California. He was in the United States Army from 1954 through 1956. He spent many years driving truck and doing business in Fortuna, California, as Whitchurch Marketing and Fortuna Feed and Garden Center. In 2002, he moved to Weaverville where he was an accomplished woodworker and gardener.

Ed passed away on April 3, peacefully and surrounded by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Elsie, of Weaverville; son, Eddie, daughter, Danelle (Cary), son, Patrick (Cathy), daughter, Wendy and son, Brian (Sherri) He leaves ten grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren (soon to be fifteen), and three great great grandchildren and four grandchildren by proxy. He is survived by his four youngest siblings.

He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Interment will be in the Northern California Veterans Cemetery, in Igo, California.

04/05/2026

04/05/2026

Carolyn Fayreen Beans, 83, of Weaverville, California, passed away on March 23, 2026, with her daughter Heidi Heikes by her side — entering her final rest and joining her late husband (David Beans) in Glory.

Carolyn was born on Dec. 18, 1942, to Harvey Lemke and Fayreen Snoddy in Los Angeles, California. Her childhood was made sweet by the involvement of her dear Aunt Ruth, Aunt Margaret, Grandmother Snoddy and cousins.

After high school, she was on vacation with her family when life settled into her dream. It was the summer of 1960 when she met David Beans at Red’s Meadow Campground, went on a 20-mile hike and had proposed to him by the end of the hike. He said yes, and they married six months later on Jan. 22, 1961.

In 1963, Carolyn established her home with David in Trinity County — starting first in Hayfork, then moving into Weaverville before settling down in the home and acreage on Oregon Mountain they shared together for the rest of their marriage.

Carolyn and David went on to have three children: Alan, Daniel and Heidi. They remained loyal and affectionate, loving each other deeply for their 64 years of marriage. Up until the end, Carolyn knew there was a hole that couldn’t be filled from her sweetheart’s absence since his passing on Dec. 21, 2025.

Carolyn was very active in the local Weaverville community, beginning with her volunteer work at Weaverville Elementary School and then went on to work at the DMV and also filled the role of CFO for the Trinity County Food Bank. Her other activity in the community included dedicated service with Weaverville Church of the Nazarene, quilting classes, Bible study groups and supporting David’s various service outlets — keeping him organized by bookkeeping for him.

After retiring from her work with DMV, she revisited her dream to continue her education and attended Simpson (College) University to earn her bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She then went on to become ordained on April 30, 2010, in the Nazarene Church and began her role as the pastor of Compassion Ministries.

In her spare time Carolyn tended her garden on the 40 acres shared with her husband, David — roses being her favorite plant to tend: having a special rose planted for each child and grandchild. Carolyn cherished shared meals, hot drinks (coffee and tea), and relaxing on porch swings with her husband — always with a project in her hand: sewing, crocheting, embroidery.

They shared several road trips in their RV and loved traveling to visit family in Oregon and other parts of California and seeing several of the national parks. Taking the grandkids out on their patio boat was a summer highlight for her — and tent camping transported her to the happy summers of her childhood.

Carolyn embraced the challenge of designing the house they would live in together for the next 24 years — after the 2001 fire destroyed the property and house she and David had built together. Her last months were spent loving her neighbors living in the memory care facility alongside her — engaging in exercise classes, singing romance songs along with live performers, creating pretty crafts, soaking up scenic drives, blowing kisses, calling everyone sweetheart, holding hands with family and sharing her biggest smiles with whoever passed by.

Carolyn is survived by her sister Christine Milan; special cousins who were like siblings: Steve Clark, Ron Alkire and Betty Priebe; children Alan (Paula), Daniel (Sheree) and Heidi (Robin); nine grandchildren: Ashley, Stacey, Joshua, Ryan, Nicole, Kyla, Lyndsey, Madelyn and Gregory; and seven great-grandchildren (plus two more coming this year); as well as a church and community who surrounded her, loving her to the end with cards and messages of care.

A community graveside service was held at the Weaverville Cemetery at 4 p.m. March 29 — on Palm Sunday, the day that Jesus entered Jerusalem and was heralded as King. Carolyn is singing to Him now and feeling more loved and safe than ever.

If you wish to honor her life with a special gesture — go plant a rose! Or donate to Weaverville Church of the Nazarene or any community outreach organization such as the Golden Age Center, Trinity Scholarship Foundation, Trinity County Food Bank, to name a few.

03/29/2026

A celebration of life for Ronald E. Yingling will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 11, at the Junction City Community Center, 71-A Dutch Creek Road.

03/11/2026

Steven (“Tobi”) Duane Mitchell, 60, passed away at his Weaverville, California, home Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, from heart issues. He had been in a Redding hospital for a week.

He leaves his mother, Janey, and brother, Harris, of Weaverville. His dad “Beau” preceded him in death.

He was born Nov. 24, 1965, in Dallas, Texas. Steven moved to Weaverville with his family in 1970. His grandad, Glen Mitchell, lived here.

He went to Weaverville Elementary School and graduated from Trinity High School in 1984. He went to Shasta College, then later on to Lone Star College to get his bachelor’s degree. He always wanted to make this world a little bit better.

Steven was known for his non-stop energy — a special blend of strength, resilience and perseverance.

He was always HAPPY.

Steven worked in Texas 15 years for a giant pharmaceutical and medical corporation where his skills as an excellent communicator, quick problem-solver and leadership skills really shined. Being the ever confident one, he enthusiastically led his team during the Katrina crisis. He cleverly devised many innovative solutions to help the victims receive needed supplies faster and safer. He also helped in ways unimaginable on a personal basis.

He later worked in Portland, Oregon, to be closer to family. He was working at ACE Hardware when he passed away. ACE employees commented that he had always been an inspiration to all of them.

Steven’s greatest passion was NASCAR. He knew so much about the cars that he would have made a great crew chief. He enjoyed going to Texas Motor Speedway with his friend, Brigette, to watch them. He especially favored Dale Earnhardt Sr., then Dale Jr.

He enjoyed listening to music and going to concerts. Among his favorites was Def Leppard. He played his guitar often.

He was also a major sports fan. He collected sports cards. Among his favorites were Barry Sanders and Jerry Rice. He was an avid San Francisco 49ers fan. He collected most of their sportswear. He also enjoyed ocean fishing in Crescent City. He was also a genius in the tech field.

He was always HAPPY.

He will always be remembered as a devoted son and a faithful brother. No matter the hardships life brought him, it was still meant to be fun. His life was a testament of honesty, thoughtfulness and kindness for everyone who touched his life. He also had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Janey and Harris’ hearts ache as they were not ready to say goodbye to such a vibrant soul. They had envisioned many more laughs and fun times ahead with him. However, they take solace knowing that he lives on in their memories and in the lessons he taught them. His passing leaves an irreplaceable void in their hearts.

Stevens’s family would like him to be remembered as making his part of the world a little better by his presence. He made a difference!

He was always HAPPY.

A memorial service is to be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to Trinity County Animal Shelter or to the Weaverville Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 447, Weaverville, CA 96093.

Arrangements are being made by Trinity Alps Funeral Home.

“Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord … forever.” Psalm 23:6

03/09/2026

Beth Anne Bauer passed away on March 2nd. She leaves behind her husband Mark Goldsmith and their children Joanna and Benjamin Bauer-Goldsmith, brother Rick and sister-in-law Debbie, a large and loving extended family, and dear friends Doris Hein, Julie Feely, Jill Richards, Maria Cargill and many, many others.

Beth grew up in LaPorte, Indiana with her parents Bob and Liz and brother Rick. As a young lady she fearlessly traveled the world, studying in Spain and teaching English as a Second Language in Costa Rica, Indonesia and Portugal. She returned to the US and traveled throughout the country in a VW van before launching her second career as a wildlife scientist. She met Mark while they were studying spotted owls together for the Forest Service in McCloud, California, and he fell head over heels in love with her. They married in 1994, then she began her third career as a devoted mom to their children Joanna and Benjamin, and made many more friends while working at the Main Street Gallery and Trinity County Library in Weaverville.

She was a lovely soul, so full of fun and life and ready for adventures. She loved to travel, read, sing in her choir, have wine with her book club, visit her daughter in Montana, and listen to the birds from the backyard porch swing. Love is not a big enough word for how we felt about her. We will miss her terribly.

02/27/2026

Obituary For Vincent James Holson
Vincent James Holson, a Trinity County fishing guide who was best known among friends and colleagues as “Dr. Fish,” passed away on Feb. 14, 2026, at his home in Weaverville, California. He was 72.

Born in Gilroy, California, on Feb. 8, 1954, Holson spent his formative years working in agriculture and landscaping in the San Francisco Bay Area before moving to Trinity County in 1993. There, he pursued his passion for the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman who, with characteristic mischievousness, would sometimes tell his pastor he couldn’t attend Sunday services because the fish were biting. To Holson, the towering pines and serene lakes and rivers of the Trinity Alps evoked their own spiritual wonder. “He’d say, ‘There’s nothing better than being on the water, or in the mountains at sunrise, and watching the world wake up,’” his wife, Louise, recalled.

In Weaverville, Holson initially worked for the county, but found purpose serving the community at Trinity Hospital in its skilled nursing facility. He had a knack for understanding the needs of older patients. On the Fourth of July, Holson and a team of volunteers would walk residents down to the main street to watch the parade, his wife said. Other times he took them fishing off a local pier or to a local salon to get their hair done. Almost every morning, he would gather a small crowd in the dining room and read the local newspaper to them. More recently, Holson worked for Caltrans and retired in 2019.

Fishing, though, was his first love and, in the early 2000s, he helped manage a sporting goods store where he educated scores of clients on the best rods and poles. He also became a fishing guide. Holson enjoyed teaching fathers how to fish on Trinity and Lewiston lakes as much as he enjoyed teaching their children. Families could fish together, he believed, long after they left his boat and returned to their homes. Holson would often say he wanted the dads to be the heroes of their kids’ stories.

In 2002, Holson wrote a monthly fishing column for The Trinity Journal where he dispensed life lessons with the same ease as he doled out news about the hottest fishing spot or what bait was best to catch a 20-inch trout. “Fishing, like anything else, is best done with an open mind and a little bit of patience,” he wrote in one of his columns. Sometimes, he added, a person needed to change tactics. He often ended his column with a piscine blessing: “May the Fish Gods look kindly upon you.”

Holson is survived by his wife, Louise, her nephew David Smith, his brother-in-law William Smith, and his seven siblings: Grace Malson, John Holson, his twin brother Michael Holson, Mary Connolly, Frances Hampton, Gondolfa Chavez and Laura Holson.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

02/27/2026

Obituary For James Jonathon Bell
It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved father, James Jonathon Bell, on Feb. 3, 2026. He was 65. Leaving behind a legacy built not on wealth or status, but on the stories he shared, the generosity he exuded and a life spent loving with all he had.

Jim was born on Oct. 12, 1960, in Weaverville, California, to Harvey and Joyce Bell of Douglas City. His family moved to Trinity County in 1959 from Whittier, California. He attended Weaverville Elementary and Trinity High School. It would be there that he fell in love and married his high school sweetheart, Tina McMills, and they would go on to have three daughters. He started working with his father at the young age of 12 on the USFS trail systems. Along with his own construction company ventures, he continued to build trails and bridges all over the United States until his father’s passing in 2000. His absolute favorite place to be was out in nature getting his hands dirty and blazing a trail.

Jim leaves behind three daughters, Bridget Scribner (Adam), Melissa Bell and Jamie Bell; grandchildren Shawn, Brynn, Lexi, Addie, Luka and Kannon; mother Joyce Bell; sisters Jackie Bell and Jodie Bell; along with many nieces, nephews and cherished friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his father John “Harvey” Bell and sister Laurie Bell.

Besides spending time with his family and friends, Jim found his greatest peace outdoors whether it be working or just enjoying the beauty of “God’s Country,” he loved using his creative mind for his art pieces and music truly lit his soul. You would never find our dad without some form of music blasting and him feeling every word. Our dad knew how to light up a room with his boisterous voice and his positive energy. A presence that will leave a lasting void.

He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

“Happy trails until we meet again!”

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life gathering at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at the Trinity Alps Restaurant & Lounge, 130 Golf Course Drive, Weaverville.

02/27/2026

Obituary For Donna Kay Teuscher
Donna Kay Teuscher (Hill), a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on Jan. 26, 2026.

She was born on May 7, 1946, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Donna moved to California with her family when she was 15, where she soon met the love of her life, Roger Harding Teuscher.

Their 64-year love story began at a teen club in Fremont, California, when Donna was 16. Though she was there with his best friend, Roger fell in love at first sight; after a quick “date swap” with his friend, the two became inseparable. They married a year later.

Together, they built a life and raised their family in Fremont before retiring to Trinity County to live in the “dream home” they designed together.

A woman of deep faith, Donna loved the Lord and found great joy in studying God’s word. Her creativity knew no bounds; she was often found painting or crafting intricate jewelry to gift to those she loved. Whether she was taking family trips to Reno or simply spending quiet time at home, her greatest treasure was her family.

Donna is survived by her devoted husband, Roger; her daughter, Tina Renee Teuscher (Raymond Charles Driver); and her son, Billy Joe Teuscher (Melony Abajar Teuscher). Her legacy lives on through her granddaughters, Alicia Noelani Ferkey, Kahalani Nicole Hill and Danielle Jean Kell; her grandson Jacoby, as well as her five great-grandchildren, Amelia, Caelin, Charlotte, Max and Adelynn.

She will be greatly missed but forever remembered for her unwavering love.

02/27/2026

Obituary For Nikki Lynn Mitchell
It is with heavy hearts and abiding love that we announce the passing of Nikki Lynn Mitchell, a beloved mother, sister, friend and cherished member of her community. Nikki departed this world on Jan. 21, 2026, after courageously battling a sudden illness. She left us at the age of 66, leaving an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to have known her.

Born on a military base outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Oct. 3, 1959, Nikki was the beloved daughter of Lila Grace Coburn and Vernon Mitchell, and stepdaughter to the late John Noble Coburn. Her early years were filled with the warmth and values imparted by her loving family, shaping her into a woman of unwavering integrity and kindness.

Nikki was the proud mother of three wonderful children, Tony, Rachel and Michelle, whom she worked hard to support, love and cherish. She also shared a special bond with her siblings, her brother Tracy and his wife Kathy, and her sister Terrie and her partner Al. Her cherished friendship with Betty and Sandy was a testament to her loyalty and genuine spirit.

As a woman of exceptional intelligence and patience, Nikki built a thriving career. Over her impressive 20-year tenure, her resourcefulness and extensive knowledge in the medical billing sector led her to the role of accounting manager at Mountain Communities Healthcare District. While her professional acumen was widely recognized, it was her kind and generous spirit that truly resonated with colleagues across various departments, leaving a lasting impact on those around her. This is particularly evident in the strong connections she forged with her coworkers and patrons at The Nugget Restaurant, where she created lasting friendships.

Nikki’s commitment to her community was evident in her support of the Arbor Day Foundation and her enthusiasm for local children’s fundraising events, especially those benefiting the children of her dear friends and family. Nikki was a person of generosity and compassion, always ready to lend a helping hand and a listening ear.

Nikki’s love for reading and cooking was well-known. Her adventurous spirit in the kitchen delighted all who were privileged to share a meal with her. She took great pleasure in discovering and trying new recipes, an expression of her zest for life and her love for exploration.

Though her time on this earth was all too brief, Nikki’s legacy lives on through the love she instilled in her family and friends. She leaves behind a tapestry of memories woven with kindness, understanding and a profound appreciation for life’s simple joys. Her children and friends alike feel the profound loss of a wonderful person whom they cherished deeply.

As we mourn the loss of our dear Nikki, we also celebrate a life beautifully lived. A celebration of her life will be held, and those wishing to join in honoring her memory are invited to email celebration.of.life.nikki@gmail.com for further details.

In Nikki’s memory, let us carry forward her spirit of love and generosity, cherishing each moment and each other, just as she would have wanted.

02/13/2026

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Thomas Prest on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, Super Bowl Sunday at the age of 85. He was at home with his wife and son Nick. His beloved 49ers were not in the game, so he saw no reason to stick around and watch it.

He was born in Everett, Washington, on Oct. 12, 1940, to George and Rena Prest. He was the third of eight children. His siblings were Loren, Naomi, Kathy, twins Michal Ann and Patrick, Arno and Nita. His family was in the logging industry and followed Martin Logging company from Washington to California.

Tom went to school in Washington, Willits, California, and then graduated from Trinity High School in 1959. In high school he played football, basketball, baseball and wrestled. He attended Taft College with a football scholarship. He married his high school sweetheart Lynn Grant on June 11, 1960. They were married for 65 years, raising three children in Weaverville.

Tom started out logging with his father and uncles. He then was employed by the U.S. Forest Service for 29 years in fire suppression, fuels, timber and recreation. He helped build many of the campgrounds surrounding Trinity Lake. After retirement he delivered mail for the USPS to Lewiston, Douglas City, Hayfork and Hyampom. He also cut and sold firewood during this time.

He coached and played basketball with the Trinity Lakers and softball with Weaver City among many other teams in both sports. Tom traveled with the Weaver City softball team to Arnold, California, for 25-plus years. He coached Little League while his two sons were playing. He also coached a women’s softball team that his daughter played on. He coached a hardball team and for many years co-captained a men’s pool league team. He was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose Ebbetts Pass #1123 and Lewiston #1850, ECV #62 and the Trinity County Historical Society.

He was predeceased by his parents and all of his siblings, except for his sister Kathy (Tommy) Bailey and brother Arno and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Tom is survived by his wife Lynn; children Tim (Kathleen), Nick, Becky (Chris) Madden; grandchildren Haley (Arthur), Kayla (Essam), Morgan (Sam), Beau (Lily), Tanner (Lupe), Chelsea (Daniel), Abby, and Cade; 10 great-grandchildren and one more on the way.

Tom is also survived by many, many close friends near and far. Also, his beloved dog Daisy that provided a lot of love and comfort during his illness. Daisy is currently sleeping with Tom’s slippers and 49er blanket.

We want to thank everyone that has been involved in Tom’s health care for the past few years.

Private graveside services and a celebration of life will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Trinity County Historical Society.