Ernest G. Eaton On a beautiful day, Ernest G. Eaton, age 78, returned to Lake City and the land he loved, for the last time. On July 29, 2003, Eaton passed away at the home of his son and daughter-in-law, Morgan and Laurie Eaton in West Richland, Wash. A memorial service was held in his honor on October 20 at the Lake City Cemetery. The Rev. Dr. Ben Zandstra officiated, with the Rev. Steven Frock of Hamlin, Iowa and nephew of Eaton, giving his eulogy. A lifelong outdoorsman, Eaton had retired as District Conservationist from the Surprise Valley District of the U.S.D.A. Soil Conservation Service. Eaton was born in Seligman, Arizona on February 6, 1925 and grew up in various places in Arizona where his father worked on the railroad and as a hard rock miner. Eaton enjoyed horses from his youth. He joined the Army Air Force in World War II and spent time in Italy as an Intelligence Specialist. He attended Arizona State University and Cal Poly at San Luis Obispo, where he graduated in 1953 with a bachelor's degree in Agriculture. He spent most of his summers working as a guide and packer at the Grand Canyon with the mule parties and working on ranches. Eaton married his wife Barbara during his senior year in college and together they lived in various places in Arizona and California. Later, he worked on purebred Hereford ranches and was a packer for parties at Kings Canyon Park in California. In 1961, he went to work for the Soil Conservation Service and was the District Conservationist in Cedarville from 1976 until he retired in 1985. He was very active in the Stewardship Program and the Resource Conservation District activities. While living on their ranch on Soldier Creek, near Lake City, the couple raised Quarter Horses and sheep. After his retirement from the Soil Conservation Service, Eaton was a Brand Inspector for Nevada. His greatest interest was always in horses and ranching. He shod, trained and bred horses. He was also very proud of his two studs, Joey Moore and Fiddle. His love of horses was reciprocated; when Eaton contracted Parkinson's disease, his aging stud Fiddle became ill. Although two states apart, when Eaton died several years later, Fiddle sensed his passing and also died. Eaton is survived by his wife Barbara, son Morgan and daughter-inlaw Laurie Eaton, daughter Renata Earles and son-in-law Marty, grandchildren Korban and Mira Earles, sister Elda Frock and her husband Marion, brother John Vernon Eaton and Phyllis of Kentucky and brother Lawrence Eaton of Phoenix, Ariz. Eaton was preceded in death by his parents John Eaton of Bagdad, Ariz. and Dollie Frock of Phoenix, AZ. November 13, 2003 Allen Douglas Propst Allen Douglas Propst passed away November 4, 2003, in Alturas, Ca., after a short illness. A memorial service will be held at the Federated Church in Alturas, Saturday, November 15, at 3 p.m., with fellowship to follow at the Propst residence. Mr. Propst, 76, was born in Merino, Colorado, December 1, 1926, to Allen Earl and LuluBelle Rand Propst. He grew up in the middle of the Great Depression in a pioneer Colorado family that left a legacy of honor and integrity. His grandfather, T.K. Propst, and his father Allen Propst, were part of a family cattle ranching and banking operation who faced a crisis that tried their souls. The national banking collapse of 1929 ruined their bank and their bank manager committed suicide rather than face the prospect of plunging the whole enterprise into bankruptcy. T.K. and his sons and daughters determined that taking bankruptcy was not an option and that none of their neighbors and friends who had entrusted them with their savings, would lose a dime of their deposits. The whole family joined together to mortgage everything they owned - land, cattle, personal homes, automobiles and all their properties - in order to borrow the money to pay their depositors to the last cent. The family stuck together, worked hard and fully repaid that debt of honor. It was a lesson in integrity that was seared into the minds and hearts of the Propst family and Doug, who was raised on the historic family ranch with his many cousins, working hard, but having fun, too. Doug served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific arena as a gunners mate, third class, during World War II. He used his GI bill to attend Colorado A & M (now Colorado State University), and graduated with a degree in Animal Husbandry. Doug married Joan Shaw in 1950. They went to work on the Win-Del ranch in Ennis, Montana until the opportunity came to move to Santa Catalina Island, Ca., where they lived for 40 years. Doug had a life-long love of the outdoors. He loved to take his family and island guests for jeep rides, just to go check things. He spent many enjoyable times with family and friends at Ben Weston beach, hiking and riding all over the island. He worked hard as President and general manager of the Catalina Conservancy, to restore Catalina to its native state. Doug and Joan ceaselessly labored to study, research and rebuild their beloved island. In 1975, the Wrigley family, recognizing the great natural values of the island, established the Santa Catalina Conservancy in order to permanently protect this island jewel for all future generations. Through his tenure, Doug was able to work with many world-renowned scientists who came to study Catalina, and so became very knowledgeable about Catalina's native plants and animals. Doug led the Conservancy as Chairman and CEO for nearly 20 years before his retirement in 1993, when he and Joan moved to their Modoc County ranch to be closer to their family in Alturas, Ca. After retirement, Doug continued to use his knowledge of range conservation to make significant contributions to the Warner Mountain Range Project. He served on the technical review team that developed a range-wide grazing management plan for the Warner Mountains. Doug was talented in many ways. He used his photography skills to document Catalina Island, its wild flowers and native plants. His photos have been published and displayed. Doug was well known for his slide shows, educating about Catalina. Doug was a writer of clever verse and illustrations, whenever there was a need for such. He also had considerable talent in woodworking. He built many useful things, the best of which were beautifully turned wood pen and pencil sets he made of whatever wood his family and friends brought him. He was involved in many organizations including Alturas Noon Rotary Club, where he enjoyed working with Roger Dorris on developing the Little League Ball Park. He was a past president of the Avalon Rotary Club, the Los Angeles County Soil Conservation District and the Catalina Museum Society. In 1970, Doug was named Range Man of the Year by the Society for Range Management. While at Colorado A & M, Doug was a founding member of the Farm House Fraternity. He has been recognized many times by various groups and organizations, for his conservation work. Mr. Propst leaves Joan, his wife of 53 years; daughters, Susi Younger, and son-in-law Jay Younger of Alturas, Barbara Moklestad, Alturas, Robin Paine, and son-in-law Ernie Paine, Yerington, Nevada; granddaughters Jessica Younger, Reno, Nevada, Elizabeth Younger, Alturas, Ruby Paine, and grandson, Douglas Paine, Yerington, Nevada. His sister, Emma Lou Carr, preceded him in death. Donations may be made in Doug's memory, to The Catalina Island Conservancy Education Fund, P.O. Box 2739, Avalon, California 90704. Ronald Ray Rosendahl Lifelong Modoc resident Ron Rosendahl, 56, passed away in Alturas, Ca. on November 2, 2003 of natural causes. Born to Betty and "Bud" Floyd Rosendahl in Alturas, Ca. on March 4, 1947, Ron spent all of his time in the area and graduated with the Class of 1966 from Modoc High School. During this time he was employed at Wilson Ranches. Right after high school graduation, he was hired by Modoc National Forest's Helitack Crew, later to become Dispatcher for the Interagency Division. Ron was an avid hunter, fisherman and bowler, involved in the local bowling league for many years. He loved to get involved in activities, especially involving his niece and nephew. They spent many years at local fish derbies, duck and goose and deer hunting in the Warner Mountains. Ron always made time to spend with family and friends and will always be remembered as the caring person that he was. After he retired from the U.S. Forest Service Interagency Dispatch Center, where he patiently trained novice dispatchers on several occasions over the years, he put many hours into creating his collection of some 200 aeronautic models. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Cathy and two infant sisters. He is survived by his niece Dana, her husband Mark and their children Candra, Caitlin, Kyle and Kasey all of Coos Bay, Ore., nephew Jason of Sacramento, uncles Don Rosendahl of Cedarville, Ca. and Harold Rosendahl of Alturas, Ca. and cousins. Memorial services are pending at this time. Correspondence may be sent to the family at 1936 LawnRidge Loop, Coos Bay, Ore. 97420. Delbert Dean Vaughn Delbert Dean Vaughn, 76, passed away November 26, 2003 at Surprise Valley Hospital in Cedarville, Ca. Born April 8, 1927 in Lake City, Ca., he is survived by six sisters, Arlene Newman, Arthada Schoonover and Jean Stimson of the Anderson, Ca. area; Lois Cain of Alturas, Ca.; Carol Jochim of Likely, Ca.; one son, John, address unknown, five step-children, addresses unknown and numerous grandchildren. He served two years in the Army in Richland, Washington and was discharged with the rank of Corporal in 1954. After leaving the Army, he worked in the lumber mill in Cedarville, then moved to Cottonwood and worked in various mills. While living there, he was a member of the Lions Club, a volunteer fireman and a Boy Scout leader. He moved to Christmas Valley, OR. in 1977 and worked on a ranch until 1980, when he moved back to Cedarville to care for his mother. He remained her caregiver until her death in 2000. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Virgie Vaughn. A memorial service will be held in the Community Church in Cedarville at 11 a.m. Monday, November 17. Following the service, a fellowship will follow in the church's Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice. Larry Keith Daniels Alturas resident Larry Keith Daniels, 59, passed away from kidney failure on November 10, 2003 in Alturas, Ca. Mr. Daniels had lived in Modoc County for the past two years and had worked as a journeyman-millwright. A member of the BPOE Elks Lodge, he also enjoyed hunting. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he served with the U.S. Navy until his discharge as an E-5 on July 31, 1968. Mr. Daniels was a graduate of Riverdale High in Riverdale, Ca. He married Brenda Lee Lackey in Caruthers, Ca. on March 1, 1963. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Brenda Daniels of Alturas, Ca.; two daughters Schillene Torres of Lockwood, Ca. and Jolene Daniels of Alturas, Ca.; two brothers, Jim Daniels of Clovis, Ca. and Jack Daniels of Fresno, Ca. and two grandchildren. Kerr Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. No date for services have been set at this time. November 20, 2003 Woman dies in Sage Hen accident A 20-year-old woman was killed Nov. 15 in a single-vehicle accident on Sage Hen Summit. The California Highway Patrol reports the deceased as Roxanne Nichols, Lemond, Ca., who was a passenger in a 1993 Saturn driven by Annie Maloeernisse, 20, of Santa Cruz. The report states that Maloeernisse was northbound at about 65 m.p.h. and let off the gas to slow down as the snow started falling harder. Because the rear tires were bald, the rear end of the car lost traction and began to slide. She lost control, the car went off the west edge of the highway going up a dirt embankment and then overturning and landing in the southbound lane. The CHP said that Nichols, who was not wearing the lap portion of her seatbelt was ejected from the car onto the road and the car landed on top of her. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Maloeernisse, who was seatbelted, sustained minor leg injuries and 10-month old Kaylee Bartle, who was secured in her car seat was not hurt. Maloeernisse and Bartle were transported to Modoc Medical Center in Alturas, treated and released. Dorothy Kerr Woody Dorothy Kerr Woody died November 13, 2003, at the age of 86, in the Colusa Hospital in Colusa, California. Dorothy was born in Ft. Bidwell, Ca. on May 23, 1917, to John Frank and Frankie Smith Kerr. Dorothy married Ellsworth Woody on December 26, 1938 in Davis Creek, Ca. She had lived in Williams, Ca. since 1949. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Ellsworth of Williams, Ca.; two daughters, Lana DeStefani of Roseville, Ca. and Christie Ponciano of Williams; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; two nephews, John Kerr of Alturas, Ca. and Jim Kerr of Corning, Ca. She was preceded in death by grandson, Rick Ponciano. A service will be held graveside at the Alturas Cemetery at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 21, 2003. Dr. Ben Zandstra will officiate. Hall Brothers Corning Mortuary is in charge of arrangement. Ivan Edward Whitby Services for Ivan Edward Whitby, 90, of Anderson, California, were held October 27, 2003, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Anderson. Douglas Pryde of the LDS Church, Balls Ferry Ward, officiated. Mr. Whitby died Thursday, Oct. 23, 2003, at Mercy Medical Center in Redding, Ca. Born December 15, 1912 in Alpine, Utah, Ivan moved to Shasta County in 1951 from Salem, Oregon. Ike, as he was known to family and friends, was a planing mill supervisor for Kimberly Clark in Anderson, a member of the Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the National Rifle Association and the Farm Bureau. Survivors include his wife Dorothy (Dot), son Thomas of Anderson, stepsons Gene Malson of Alturas, Ca. and Bill Vincent of Grants Pass, Ore.; stepdaughter Gale Stevenson of Palo Cedro, Ca.; brother Ray of Mesa, Ariz. and George of Alpine, Utah; sisters Mae Morgan of Salt Lake City, Utah and Evelyn Jensen of Murray, Utah. Ike also leaves to mourn 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Arrangements were handled by Allen and Dahl Funeral Chapel in Redding. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice. November 26th, 2003 Services for Jim Knauss A memorial gathering with family and friends of James Wayne Knauss will occur Saturday, November 29, 2003 at 2:30 p.m. at the Alturas Elks Lodge in Alturas, CA Mr. Knauss, a veteran of the Vietnam War and a resident of Modoc County for most of his life, passed away October 11, 2003 at U.C. Davis Medical Center in Sacramento after falling ill in late August and waging a valiant battle against non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Jim had just retired this past December, after more than 22 years of service with the Modoc County Assessor's Office Jim is survived by his wife Kathy of Alturas and daughter Amber of Santa Barbara and his faithful German Wirehair, Bear, son of Baron. He also leaves a sister, Jane Davis of Sahuarita, Ariz.; brother-in-law, Gary Davis of Pleasant Grove, Calif.; nephew Joe Davis of Pleasant Grove; and niece Carolyn Coker and husband, Jason and their infant son Jacob of Magalia, Calif.; aunt Virginia Griffith of Decatur, IL.; and aunt and uncle Jean and Clyde Booher and family of Decatur, IL.; mother and father-in-law, Emmie and Joe Dees of Alturas, Calif.; sister-in-law Linda Wineland of Chico; brother-in-law Scot Wineland of Chico; niece and nephew Shelley and Trevor Wineland, Chico, Ca.; brother-in-law Eric Dees and wife, Sarah and niece Jennifer Dees of Santaquin, UT. Katie Frances Nelson Cedarville native Katie Frances Russell Nelson passed away in Cedarville, Calif. on Tuesday, November 25, 2003. Born December 22, 1903, Mrs. Nelson would have celebrated her 100th birthday next month Services will be held on Monday, December 1 at 10 a.m. at the Alturas Baptist Church on Fourth Street, Alturas. Burial will follow at the Alturas Cemetery. Pastor Bud Kirk will conduct the services. The Record will publish a complete obituary next week Minnie Elizabeth Smith Graveside services for Minnie Elizabeth Smith, 91, of Red Bluff, Ca. will be at 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 9, at Oak Hill Cemetery, with Rev. Susan E. Plucker of St. Peter's Episcopal Church officiating Mrs. Smith died October 7, 2003, at her daughter's residence. Born May 26, 1912 in Red Bluff, Ca., she attended local schools and lived in Tehama County for many years. She then moved to Plumas and Modoc Counties where she was a homemaker and her husband worked for the County Road Department Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her husband Albert Smith, her son Harlan Smith, and grandson Wayne Smith. Her survivors include two daughters, Crystal Stone of Red Bluff and Audrey Stradley of Sacramento; four grandchildren: Cheryl Lance and Sandra Lingenfelter of Red Bluff, Susan McGaughran of Bozeman, Montana, and Becky Roden of Oregon. Arrangements are being handled by Hoyt-Cole Chapel of the Flowers, Red Bluff. Kenneth Harry Hill Cedarville native Kenneth Harry Hill, 78, of Sacramento, Calif. passed away November 11, 2003. Mr. Hill served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for valor, Purple Heart with the Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat Infantry Badge and W.W.II Victory Medal. He retired after 35 years of service with CalTrans. He is the beloved husband of Gertrude "Gay" Hill for 39 years; loving uncle of Steven and Tracy Nicot, Paul, Tom, Harry Hill and Ginny Macko. He is also survived by several great nieces and nephews. Lombard & Company Funeral Directors at 1550 Fulton Ave., Sacramento took care of arrangements. Interment was at Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, Calif. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the American Cancer Society. Kenneth 'Cap' DeWitt Native Modoc resident Kenneth Gorden "Cap" DeWitt passed away on November 20, 2003 at the Skilled Nursing Facility, Alturas, Calif. Mr. DeWitt was 66 and had lived in Modoc County all his life. The Rev. Boyd Taylor conducted services on Monday, Nov. 24 at the Cedarville Cemetery. Mr. DeWitt was born on January 21, 1937, in Cedarville, Calif. to Alfred and Sara (Wright) DeWitt. He was next to the youngest of their 16 children, nine boys and seven girls. An Alturas resident most of his life, Kenneth wrote songs, enjoyed listening to country music, played guitar for a time in his life. When out walking about in Alturas, he always sported his cowboy hat and boots. He was preceded in death by his father and mother; brothers Ray, LeRoy and Donney; sisters Emma, Marie, and Alfreda "Tiny." He is survived by his brothers Floyd DeWitt, Pete DeWitt, Bob DeWitt, all of Alturas, Calif.; Eddie DeWitt, Lakeview, Ore.; Bill DeWitt, Acampo, Calif.; sisters, Violet Addington, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; Rose Moritz, Marysville, Calif.; Dorris Addington, Patterson, Calif.; Faye Kellner, Benicia, Calif. and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be missed very much. Irvin McGarva Graveside services will be held for Irvin Robert McGarva, Nov. 29, 1 p.m. at the Likely Cemetery. A wake will be held at the Likely Fire Hall, Nov. 28, starting at 5 p.m. Mr. McGarva died Nov. 25, 2003. He was born Sept., 22, 1934 in Likely. A full obituary will be published next week. ~~~~~~ Billie C. & Anita 'Jean' Reynolds Family Researcher of "The Last Frontier" Modoc County, California --- Our outgoing mail is checked by ZoneAlarm AntiVirus.