Modoc County Record – March 15, 2007 Army soldier killed in Iraq Sad news hit Modoc County this week with the report that Staff Sgt. Christopher Webb, 28, and two members of his unit were killed March 7, when an explosive device in Iraq hit their vehicle. Webb is the husband of Shalan Webb, who is from Alturas. Webb met Shalan Harris and they were married in Alturas on June 30, 2000. His wife has been living in Alturas since he was deployed to Iraq in October 2006. His and Shalan's daughter, Mary Verana was born on September 2, 2006 and he was at the birth. According to a report from the U.S. Department of Defense, SSGT. Webb, Spc. Shawn P. Rankinen, 28, of Independence, Mo., and Spc. Michael D. Rivera, 22, of Brooklyn, N.Y., died when an explosive detonated near their vehicle in Baghdad. All three were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, based in Fort Hood, Texas. Webb grew up in Winchester, Calif. He joined the Army National Guard at 17 and enlisted in the Army as soon as he turned 18. Webb has a brother, Coy Bullock, who also is deployed in Iraq. His services will be in Alturas Saturday. Please see full obituary. Christopher Ralph Webb Staff Sergeant Christopher Ralph Webb, who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, was killed in action March 7, 2007. SSG Webb was in Baghdad, Iraq when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations. SSG Webb was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. SSG Webb was born in Hemet, CA December 16, 1978, and grew up in Winchester, CA. He joined the Army National Guard at 17, as a fire support specialist. Once he turned 18, he enlisted in the Army active duty. After he completed AIT at Fort Sill, OK, he was sent to Camp Casey, South Korea from 1998-1999. When he returned from Korea, he was stationed at Ft. Lewis, WA. In 2000, he met Shalan Harris of Alturas, CA, and they were married June 30, 2001. In 2003, he was assigned a three-year recruiting duty in Red Bank, NJ. He was named Top Recruiter for the Mid-Atlantic Battalion three consecutive years. He also earned the Gold Recruiter Badge and three sapphires. When his three years of recruiting were finished, he was sent to Ft. Hood, TX. From Ft. Hood he was deployed to Iraq October 30, 2006, but not before seeing the birth of his daughter Mary Verena on September 2, 2006. SSG Webb or Chris, as he was known to his family and friends, was liked and respected by those who worked with him. He earned many awards while serving in the Army. They include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (4 times), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism (Service) Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (2 times), Army Service Ribbon, Basic Marksman Qualifying Badge, and finally the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and the Combat Action Badge. Outside of the military Chris enjoyed riding and racing his motorcycle. He also enjoyed playing games on the computer with his friends and his brother. He loved his family and friends and will be missed not only by them, but by all who knew him. Chris is lovingly survived by his wife Shalan and daughter Mary of Alturas, CA; his mother Teresa Bullock, stepfather Mike Bullock, sister Susan Webb and brother Army SPC Coy Bullock, all of Perris, CA and his father Robert Webb, Jr. and grandmother Pat Webb of Golden Valley, AZ, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He is also survived by his "furry friends" Max, his Siberian Husky and Tiger, his kitty. Services for Chris will be held on Saturday, March 17, 2007, at the Modoc High School Shirley Oxley Hall in Alturas, followed by a graveside service with military honors at Alturas Cemetery. Donations in Chris' memory may be made to Fisher House Foundation, 1401 Rockville Pike, Suite 600, Rockville, MD 20852. Fisher House benefits soldiers and their families in times of need. Dorotha (Miller) Riley Dorotha "Dot" Mae Riley, 88, passed away March 8, 2007 in Springfield, OR where she had been a resident of Lane County for the past four years. Born on the Weigand Ranch in Lassen County, 2.5 miles west of Adin, CA on October 5, 1918, she lived on the Stonecoal Valley Miller Ranch until age three. Her parents, Phillip and Claraetta (Weigand) Miller, moved to a ranch near Bieber, CA, in 1921. Dorotha lived there with her parents and attended school in Bieber and high school in Adin. In high school she met her future husband Euan Rex Riley. She graduated from Adin High School in 1936 and went on to Western Business School in Sacramento. She was married to Rex on Dec. 25, 1942, in Redding, CA, while he was home on leave from the Army. They lived together in North Carolina while Rex was in the military and then Dorotha returned home when Rex was sent to Dutch Harbor, AK. Rex passed away August 14, 1972. She is survived by her brother Alden Miller of Emmett, ID, two sons, John Patrick Riley of Fort Meyers, FL and Terry Rex Riley of Springfield, OR.; two grandchildren Sean Riley, San Francisco and Phipatrick James Riley of Springfield, OR. Dorotha was active in the VFW Auxiliary, Cub Scout Den Mother, and a wonderful mother to not only her own children, but to many kids of the neighborhood. Some of her specialties remembered by all were her chocolate chip cookies, cheesecake, decorative birthday cakes and sweet and sour spare ribs. She loved sewing, bird watching, family history and scrap books. She will be missed. Services will be held in Weaverville, Ca at 2 p.m. on March 15. Memorial contributions may be directed to Disabled Veterans of America. Ralph Waldo deOng Retired livestock rancher Ralph Waldo deOng of Lookout, passed away March 11, 2007, at Mayers Memorial Hospital in Fall River Mills, CA. Mr. deOng was born April 28, 1924, in Berkeley, CA. He had lived in Lookout for the past 38 years, with his wife Nancy, who called him a "true cowboy, who rodeo'd most of his life." He also loved fishing. He was 82. He is survived by his wife Nancy of Lookout and his children. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 16 at the Lookout Cemetery. Arrangements being handled by Kerr Mortuary. Arthur David Popejoy In loving memory of Arthur David Popejoy, born in Redding, CA on April 22, 1940, and entered into his final rest on March 7, 2007, at the age of 66, in Alturas, CA. Mr. Popejoy had called Alturas home since 1950 and graduated with Modoc High School's Class of 1958. He served stateside with the U.S. Army from 1962 until 1964, then returned to Alturas. He later moved to Klamath Falls where he worked for many years at the Hollandary DeHoops Dairy, before returning to Alturas. Everyone knew Art as a craftsman and a creator of beautiful Indian beadwork. He loved music, dancing and attending Indian PowWows. In his earlier years he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a champion horseshoe player and always won. He was a devoted son to his elderly mom, caring for her and her house. Art loved to play Pinochle and taught his daughter to play Cribbage. He couldn't stand it when she would beat him and stopped playing his mother, after she "skunked" him all the time. He was also an avid bowler and belonged to the Alturas Bowling League. He and generations of his family gathered for a reunion and bowling fest in Klamath not long ago, and had another family reunion planned. Art never said a bad word about anyone and those who knew him, loved him. He helped anyone who needed him. One of his greatest joys was walking his daughter down the aisle and when his grandchildren came along, it was the icing on his cake. Daughter "Star" was born in 1968, to Art and his former wife Peggy Spurgeon of Alturas. Art and Peggy's marriage ended in 1977. Art also raised Darryl and Tammy Godsby as his own, after their father Kurt Godsby was killed in a car accident when they were very young. They are Star's half-brother and half-sister. Art is survived by his mother, Stella A. Forrest of Alturas; his daughter "Star" Stella and her husband Kelley Mercier of Klamath Falls, OR; his grandchildren Conrad, Kiana, and Cooper; brother Poco E. Forrest; Darryl Godsby and wife Heidi and their daughter Megan of Portland, OR and Tammy Godsby of Las Vegas, NV and many family members and friends. He will forever be remembered and forever missed. He was preceded in death by his father Romain (1948) and his brother Chester (1963). He was carried to his place of rest by Conrad, Poco, Louie, Jim, Kelly and Darryl, with military honors by the Alturas Veterans Group during graveside services conducted by the Rev. Dr. Ben Zandstra on Monday morning, March 12 at the Alturas Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be directed to the VFW Post 3327 in Alturas. Kerr Mortuary was in charge of arrangements. The family gives thanks to the Great Spirit and to everyone for all they have done for Art, both in his life and during his final journey. They are grateful for the thoughtful feelings and support during this time and give special thanks to those who brought food and flowers. When the time comes, we will all meet again. Dennis E. Ward Dennis Earl Ward, 48, passed away March 7, 2007, at his mother's home in Alturas, CA. Dennis was born on November 6, 1958, in Alturas, to Homer and Betty Ward. Dennis spent most of his life in and around Alturas where he liked to go camping and fishing. A graduate of Modoc High School, he later worked as a truck driver and enjoyed wood working, tile cutting and laying tile. He also enjoyed getting out into the forest for woodcutting. Dennis had been ill for many years, yet he continued on with his life. He was a very loving and caring person. He is survived by his mother, Betty, his daughter Brandy Dawn Ward of Roseburg, OR; two brothers Richard and Kenneth and wife Chris Ward of Tulare, CA; one sister, Lynda and Dan Colesworthy of Conrad, Montana; and his companion of eight years, Terri Canterberry; many nieces and nephews, family and friends. Dennis was preceded in death by his father, Homer, in April 2006, and his grandparents Alvin and Julia Young. Services were held at the Kerr Chapel in Alturas at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 10. The Rev. Dr. Ben Zandstra conducted the service, followed by a gathering at the Church of the Firstborn in Alturas. Interment will be private. Dennis will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Services for Roger Rose Memorial services for Roger D. Rose will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 17 in the Alturas Elks Lodge. Mr. Rose passed away on February 19, 2007, in the Modoc Medical Center in Alturas. He was 78. ~~~~~~ Billie C. & Anita 'Jean' Reynolds Family Researcher of "The Last Frontier" Modoc County, California --- Our outgoing mail is checked by ZoneAlarm AntiVirus.