Modoc County Record – August 2, 2006 Vern Hill Our most heart-felt thanks go out to all who have expressed condolence and shared memories of our father, Vern L. Hill. Every card and call has eased our feeling of loss. A gathering of Vern's friends and family will beheld at the Cedarville Cemetery, followed by a potluck lunch at the Cedarville Community Church Hall on August 12, 2006 at 11 a.m. Please join us in this opportunity to share stories and celebrate his life. --John and Becky Dederick Louise Marjorie 'Marge' Smith Alturas resident Louise Marjorie "Marge" Smith was born in Tucumcari, New Mexico, the youngest of three children to James Davis and Annie Pearl Bruce (Lamb), on April 9, 1926. Her father was a surveyor and a farmer but most notably he was a member of the New Mexico State House of representatives, also the New Mexico State Corporations Commissioner, all while working as an engineer for the Southern Pacific railroad. Her mother was a dedicated wife, mother, and homemaker. Marge completed her education through high school in the small town where she was born. In 1944, after he returned from active duty in World War II, she married Johnnie Green, a local business owner and welder. She gave birth to their two children, oldest James Bruce, followed by Linda Louise. They moved to Orange County California. Big city stress took it's toll on their marriage leading to divorce in 1951. She went to work for the Department of the Navy as a secretary for a period of time. She dated, and later married Ted Sallee. Some time later, she gave birth to her youngest son Darryl Kevin. Eager to serve, and become involved in her children's education she served as president of the local chapter of the P.T.A. She enjoyed camping with the family and day trips to the beach whenever possible. Although she was not a swimmer, Marge made sure her children were able to enjoy the experience. Marge loved to sing and play piano and shared her gift with those at her church. Marge survived a serious head on collision on the way home from work, but broken bones, a concussion and a bruised heart were followed by months of recovery. Marge and Ted divorced in 1965. In effort to be there for her children by day, she worked nights in the processing department for a national bank. She later applied for and was hired by the U.S. Post Office giving her many challenges and opportunities to grow and advance, leading to the purchase of her own home. She was even able to tour the Hawaiian islands. She dated Dan Smith a railroad worker and after two years of sharing a common love for travel, they married. Among their travels was an extended trip to tour Europe. In 1975, Marge suffered from minor spinal damage and was retired. This gave her the opportunity to sell her home in Southern California and re-locate to Alturas where she found the life she always dreamed of. She became involved in many local organizations, the Grange, the Modoc Medical Center Hospital Auxiliary, and T.O.P.S. Marge loved to hunt for treasure at yard sales. In 2001 after a fall, she was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease and Osteoporosis. For several years her oldest son Bruce, tirelessly, lovingly cared for her and took her on vacations as well as driving her to Stanford University hospital for treatment of numerous conditions related to her Parkinson's. He also assumed the responsibility for helping her physically and emotionally through all of the years of her declining health. In 2003, she needed to accept full time care. Her wishes were to spend her final years under the loving care of Modoc Medical Center's long-term care and Dr. Ed Richert and, in the company of her many friends. She loved the many activities available to her. Local church services, the celebration of holidays, bingo, and her T.V. and music. As years passed, Marge became less able to participate in those things she enjoyed. On July 30, 2006 the Lord called her home. Her family will miss her very much, but realize to be absent from us, is to be present with the Lord, and without pain or disability. Marge is survived by her oldest brother James and sister-in-law Maxine who reside in Granite Bay, CA. Her older brother Alfred went home to be with the Lord July of 1982. Her three children, oldest son Bruce, youngest son Kevin of Alturas, and daughter Linda Huckeba of Auburn, Washington. Marge has nine grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Memorial donations may be made to the Modoc Medical Center Auxiliary. On Wednesday, a viewing was held at Faith Baptist Church in Alturas, from 10 a.m. until 12 noon, with services following at noon at the church. Graveside services followed at the Alturas Cemetery with both Baptist and LDS speakers and dedication of the grave. Shelby LaRae Duran 'Bell' Shelby LaRae Duran was born to Connie Lynne Sweeney and Joseph Ted Duran on July 5, 1991 at Modoc Medical Center in Alturas, CA. Shelby passed away at the age of 15 years, on July 22, 2006, in Mesa, Arizona. Shelby LaRae was born and raised in Alturas. She spent a lot of her childhood on the family farm in Cedarville, CA. This is where Shelby, her brother Michael, sister Desirra and cousins Erica and Aaron grew up. Shelby was the youngest of five, but she was the bravest. In July of 1999, Shelby and her family moved to Mesa, AZ, where she attended various schools and enjoyed the change from country to city life. She grew into a beautiful, carefree young woman. Shelby loved to take photographs of everyone, especially herself in all kinds of poses. She loved music and dancing. Her favorite thing to do was to have a good time with her family and friends. Shelby is survived by her mother Connie Sweeney of Mesa, AZ; father Ted Duran of Alturas, CA; brother Michael Sweeney; sisters Desirra and Layken Duran of Mesa, AZ; great granny Ollie Lasater; grandmother Bonnie Belding of Cedarville, CA; grandfather Sammy Sweeney of Ft. Bidwell, CA; grandfather Al Duran of Alturas, CA; aunt Connie Cole of Cedarville; aunt Vida Perry of Cedarville, aunt Roxanna Norman and special cousins Erica and Aaron Baldridge and Cody Norman of Apache Junction, AZ; uncle Lee and Aunt Tina Sweeney of Gerlach, NV; and numerous loved ones. Shelby was preceded in death by Jonnie "Muffet" Cole, grandmother Jackie Duran, great uncle Johnny Cole, uncle Desi Duran and cousin Robert Oliver. Shelby LaRae will always be remembered as a beautiful carefree spirit, and is an angel among us. Shelby's Motto: Roll Carefree, but kick up a fight if you have to! Condolences may be sent to: Connie Sweeney, 1769 E. 37th Ave., Apache Junction, AZ 85219. Edward Conrad Kloss, Jr. Edward Conrad Kloss, Jr., "Professional Bull Shipper," who came to Modoc County for many years for his business, was born March 29,1921 in Franklin, CA and passed away July 20, 2006 in Elk Grove, CA. Preceded in death by his parents, Edward Conrad Kloss, Sr. and Annie Belle Kloss. Loving husband of 59 years to Dorothy Kloss of Elk Grove, beloved father of Sterling Edward Kloss (Tina) of Elk Grove, Korreen Ann Evers (Devin) of Yuba City. Devoted grandfather to Eric Edward Kloss (Janine) of Carmichael and Heath Edward Kloss of Elk Grove. Also survived by other family members and friends. A resident of the Elk Grove area his entire life, aged 85. He was a cattle buyer for 63 years and a 60-year member of the Native Sons of the Golden West. Graveside services in Franklin Cemetery were private. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent in his name to the American Cancer Society, 1765 Challenge Way, Suite 115, Sacramento, CA 95815-5000. ~~~~~~ Billie C. & Anita 'Jean' Reynolds Family Researcher of "The Last Frontier" Modoc County, California --- Our outgoing mail is checked by ZoneAlarm AntiVirus.