Local writer Sara Peyton spoke with the voice of her adopted Northern California as well as to the joys and challenges of her generation. A gifted journalist and essayist whose work appeared throughout Sonoma County media, she was a vibrant member of the North Bay literary community, a book reviewer and spirited conversationalist who could strum the ukulele, paint watercolors, write poetry, and (taking after her late husband) pinpoint birds and native flowers.

Peyton, 74, died after a long illness, June 7, at the Occidental family home she and her husband, journalist George Snyder, bought 43 years ago. It was the same home where they raised their two sons, who were at her side as she passed.

Sara moved to San Francisco in the late 1970s and met her future husband, George Snyder, while working as an editorial assistant at the San Francisco Chronicle newspaper. In the early 1980s, they moved first to Camp Meeker and later to Occidental, where they both became intertwined with the local community. George went on to be a veteran writer for the Chronicle–he retired as one of their longest-serving writers, revered for his coverage of environmental issues in Northern California. He died in 2013.

Although she spent more than four decades in Sonoma County, Peyton was born and raised in Redding, Connecticut, and attended college at the University of Massachusetts in Boston. She never lost her fondness for the New England atmosphere of lobsters and clams and fall colors, and returned frequently to visit the many relatives left there.

As a journalist, Sara wrote columns and articles for newspapers such as the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, the Sebastopol Times and News, The Paper and the Bohemian. Her literary pursuits were wide-ranging, including as book reviewer and author profile writer for The Press Democrat. She published pieces in a variety of magazines, including a self-revelatory piece in More Magazine, a national publication targeting women over 40. She also worked in diverse communications roles, writing, editing and social media for companies including Copperfield’s Books, O’Reilly and Associates and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. For a time, she also taught creative writing at Sonoma State University. She published short stories in two local collections and was immersed in several writing groups and workshops.

Of her work in local media, her former newspaper editors, John Boland and James Carroll, said: “Sara played an important part in recreating The Paper and later the Sonoma County Independent during some wild times. We are forever grateful for her talents, for her compassion, and for her generous spirit. It was Sara who made possible some of the most lasting contributions of the newspaper, including the focus on the local literary scene. She was a fierce journalist but had a great sense of humor. We will always remember her smile and her laugh brightening the newsroom. We hold her in our hearts with great respect and affection.”

Sara’s writing included intensely personal pieces, among them the story of the son she gave up for adoption when she was just 18 years old, conceived at the legendary Woodstock music festival. Using a pseudonym for the boy she had tracked down when he was nearly 32 years old, Cory, she wrote in More Magazine in 2003: “Watching [Cory] barbecue at his home recently, I had an odd sensation of passing through a time machine—from my current world to one that has always included him. I looked at the back deck, squinted into the fading sunlight and felt the cool evening breeze. As I watched [Cory] interact with his friends and his wife, I knew that his life still is a rich one. I also realized that it would not have been improved in any way if I hadn’t given him up for adoption, and that was both a healing and painful understanding.” They remained in touch, Sara last seeing Cory just a few weeks before she passed.

In another compelling essay focused on the challenges of raising two biracial sons in the aftermath of 911 racial profiling, Sara wrote: “I begged (one) not to travel with his Arab language book, but he just laughed. When I look at my sons, I see my mother’s distinctive high cheekbones, my siblings’ toothy grins, and my husband’s wide shoulders. But I know that strangers (sometimes) see something else. ‘Remember to smile,’ I yelled after them as they walked out the door.’”

Beyond the writing, Sara was distinctly devoted and always inquisitive, as a mother, grandmother, friend and traveler, as passionate about her family on both coasts as she was about dogs, birds and hiking, music and movies, art and the artistry of living life to its fullest. In the last year of her life, she participated mightily in a knitting group that met weekly at her house, still courting new friends. She would turn conversations with family, friends and neighbors outward, delving into the details of a new movie, award shows, a New Yorker article or books by Elizabeth Strout or Ann Patchett. She was a voracious and critical reader of news, proud of participating in many progressive marches and rallies, carrying on the tradition started when she was living in Boston in the early ’70s, then into the turmoil of the 1970s in San Francisco, up to and including the No Kings protests in Santa Rosa and Sebastopol. (Her thoughts on the current administration cannot be printed.)

She is survived by her sons Samuel Snyder of San Diego, CA (wife Patrice and their three children, Clark, Eileen and Paul), and Tobias Snyder of Oakland (wife Delthia and their two children, Olympia and Cato); stepchildren Jesse Snyder of Albany, NY and Cree Snyder Schmidt of Beder, Denmark; biological son Cory Ondrejka of Los Gatos, CA; two brothers, James Peyton of Santa Rosa and Craig Peyton of Rhinebeck, NY; three sisters: Martha Peyton Reynolds of Walpole, NH, and Liz Prince of Nyack, NY, and Elizabeth Peyton of New York, NY; her stepmother Liz Peyton of Santa Rosa, CA; and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides her husband George Snyder, she was preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather, sister Susan Prince and brother Aaron Prince.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 20, at the Occidental Center for the Arts at 11 am. The family suggests donations to Dogwood Animal Rescue.

When Susana Crofton left this earth on May 26, so many friends had their hearts broken.

She left her mark on Sonoma County. Her accomplishments in theater and music touched countless lives and brought joy to many audiences over the years.

Born in Cuba on December 22, 1951, Susana was the only child of an Argentine singer and pianist mother and a Jewish American father. During the Cuban Revolution, the family immigrated to New York City in search of a safer future. Sadly, this was also the era of the polio epidemic, and Susana was among those affected. Though she endured years of difficult therapies throughout her adolescence, her strength and determination never left her.

When Susana set her mind to something, she pursued it with a rare and unwavering determination. At the age of 40, she taught herself to play the piano — an achievement that reflected both her discipline and her love of music. With her beautiful voice, sparkling personality, and warm spirit, she quickly gathered many admirers and friends. For several years, she brought comfort and happiness to residents of retirement homes through her performances, sharing not only music but companionship and joy.

Susana was also deeply involved in theater, where her creativity, humor, and vibrant presence made her unforgettable to fellow performers and audiences alike. More than her accomplishments, however, people will remember her resilience, her generosity of spirit, and the light she brought into every room she entered.

She died as she lived — on her own terms. Susana chose to end her life and left her close circle of friends an explanation written with the same honesty and clarity that defined her life: “I hope you will find comfort in knowing I’ve planned my final departure with clarity, peace, and intention.”

She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by all who knew her.

There will be a celebration of life for Susana Crofton on June 7, 2026, from 2 pm to 5 pm, at a private home in Sebastopol. Contact gooddays@sonic.net or 707-480-6010 for the address. This event is a potluck, and tableware will be provided. There will be music, of course. Everyone who desires to share about their experiences with Susana will get a chance to do so.

Eleanor (Nell) Kneibler of Sebastopol was born in 1944 in Jacksonville, Florida, and died on May 1, 2026. Her parents were Eleanor and Arthur Kneibler. When she was three, the family moved to Libertyville, Illinois. She was the oldest of eight children and enjoyed a country childhood full of outdoor activities, sports, and being around animals.

As an adult, Nell was adventurous and loved to travel. She and her then-husband, David, moved to California and opened several imported clothing stores as well as a wholesale import business based in the Santa Cruz area. This led to travels to Mexico, Afghanistan, and India.

After Nell and David separated, she decided to buy a ranch in Healdsburg and raise cattle. This was an unusual path for a woman at the time, but she was confident that she could do it. She was used to being around large animals and had seen some of her older relatives prosper in the cattle business. Nell was proud that one of her steers, raised by a 4-H girl, was a grand champion steer at the Sonoma County Fair.

Nell had many other interests. She was a seeker and wanted to learn more about Eastern, Western, and Native American religions. Pursuing this, she leased out her pasture and attended Harvard Divinity School. She did retreats at various spiritual centers in India and the United States and, when in the Southwest for a time, was invited to participate in some Navajo ceremonies. She eventually chose Zen Buddhism as her main spiritual practice and opened up her home to a Zen Buddhist group in Healdsburg. After moving to Sebastopol in 2016, she joined the Occidental Laguna Sangha.

Nell also taught Kripalu Yoga at her home in Healdsburg. As an artistic endeavor, she enjoyed practicing and performing African, Flamenco, and Tibetan Tara dances.

Another of Nell’s passions was learning about nature, plants in particular. She went through the year-long programs at Pepperwood and the Laguna Foundation, as well as becoming a Master Gardener. She generously volunteered her time to these and other nonprofits, such as the Climate Center. Nell loved to create beautiful gardens at her homes, and she helped develop and care for the gardens of St. Stephen’s Church in Sebastopol.

During her last days, Nell told friends that she was so grateful to have been born into this wondrous world. Her many friends will deeply miss her adventurous spirit, wide-ranging curiosity, artistic sensibility, humor, generosity, and concern for humanity and our planet.

Nell is survived by her brothers, Nick and Arthur, and sister Bonnie. She was predeceased by her parents, sisters Marguarita and Margot, and brothers Knute and Jamie.

Richard James “Rico” Felciano, composer, pioneer in electronic music, and Professor Emeritus of Music at the University of California, Berkeley, died peacefully in San Francisco on February 21, 2026, at the age of 95.

Born on December 7, 1930, in Santa Rosa, he grew up in Sebastopol and fell asleep looking out at the stars in the dark Sonoma sky from his…

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Jerry and Nancy had four children, Karla Eastham (Matt), Jay K Samples, Tammi Johnson (Rusty), Paula Dillon, (Adam). They remained married for almost 66 years.

Eight grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and all the other people he took under his wing over the years — if you were fortunate to fall in any of these categories, you were loved and protected for life.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Jim, his son Jay K and his grandson Jay Jr..

Jerry loved telling stories. He was known for his Jerry-isms and his Jerry-rigs. Jerry loved fishing, hunting, traveling, gardening and cooking. He gambled at the slots or on the market. Jerry did it his way to the very end. He will be forever missed.

Join us for storytelling, food and drink Saturday May 23, 2026 at 1pm. Holy Ghost Hall, 7960 Mill Station Road, Sebastopol.

Jerry Keith Samples April 29, 1937 to April 10, 2026

Sebastopol has lost a cherished friend. ChoQosh Monroy passed on August 9, 2025, after a year-long battle with cancer. Known for her compassionate strength, wisdom and vision she was a mentor to many and a friend to all.

She had a deep connection with the Earth and all of its peoples. She was a fearless leader and Chumash Indian Elder. Witty and creative, she loved to prepare wonderful meals for family and friends. As she would say, “Cooking with Color.”

Above all, ChoQosh was filled with love and pride for her children, her grandchildren, and their many accomplishments in life. As one of her granddaughters wrote, “We find joy in knowing she is unburdened and can soar in the love, light, and magic her soul is made of.”

Soar high and free, ChoQosh!

Born in 1952 to parents Rosalind (Cohen) and Saul Becker, Charles Becker grew up in Millbrae, where he and his family were members of Peninsula Temple Beth El Congregation. He spent many summers as a camper and later as a CIT/Counselor at Camp Swig in Saratoga. He attended Capuchino High School in San Bruno, where he excelled in mathematics and wrestling and discovered his passion for the arts.

After high school, he enrolled at San Jose State University and also began studying oil painting under the Italian master painter, Roberto Lupetti, who had helped restore the Sistine Chapel. Becker’s passion for art led him to a fulfilling career as a master painter and teacher of still life painting, portraits and figures, in styles ranging from classical and magic realism to surrealism.

In 1986, Becker’s art was featured on the cover of Southwest Art Magazine, which catapulted his career and led to him being discovered by galleries, collectors and museums alike. His work was featured in many other magazines over the decades, and he became an internationally acclaimed artist featured in dozens of exhibitions across the United States and in several countries, including Japan, France and Hong Kong. His paintings are held in private, corporate and major international collections in more than 50 countries and on permanent display at the SpritMuseum in Stockholm, Sweden.

In the early ’90s, Becker was selected as the Absolut Vodka artist to represent California, and one of the paintings Absolut commissioned was displayed in a full-page ad in USA Today and Time Magazine. He was selected as an Absolut Artist of the 1990s, following Andy Warhol who was named the Artist of the 1980s.

Becker’s work was sold at the Weinstein Gallery in San Francisco along with works of other world-class artists such as Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse, Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso.

“Charles Becker’s paintings were not objects to be observed but presences to be encountered, works that drew you into relationship each time you passed them,” said gallery owner Rowland Weinstein. “Charles was also an extraordinary human being—uniquely talented, yet equally kind, humble and caring, a rare soul I was grateful to know and to call my friend.”

As incredible an artist as Charles was, his ability to connect with people was also profound and impactful. “He was the most loving, giving and kind man, who touched many hearts with his radiant soul and emotional intelligence, all wrapped up in a killer sense of humor,” said his daughter, Jessyca Becker Hoagland. “Our dad had an incredible ability to make people feel seen and he gave the best bear hugs. The world is surely colder without his warm, brilliant and beautiful presence,” she said.

Daughter Yvonne Cobert, also an educator, described his teaching style. “He used his charismatic personality to connect with students while sharing his techniques, expertise and wisdom,” she said.

Along with time spent creating beauty in his studio, teaching and connecting with his family, Charles loved playing guitar and engaging in meaningful and deep conversations. He also enjoyed gardening, being in nature and going to the movies.

Becker met his partner, Amanda Roze, through mutual friends on Facebook. “I felt sparks from Charles’s profile picture and reached out,” Roze said. They met for coffee on an unseasonably warm and sunny January morning in 2023 “and fell in love instantly.”

Their first date lasted eight hours. “We were the perfect match in every way,” Roze said. “It was as if we had known each other in a former life and just recognized each other then. We vowed to find each other sooner in any next life. The relationship was joyful and easy, and it always felt brand new.”

Charles is survived by his loving partner Amanda Roze, his daughters Cecilia Becker, Rachael Becker, Jessyca (Dennis) Becker Hoagland and Yvonne (Jerome) Cobert; his grandchildren Levi, Max, Layton, Madeline and Baron; his sisters Joanie (Jim) Schwartz and Sheri (Bill) Galvin; numerous nieces and nephews, and his beloved students and dear friends. He is preceded in death by his mother, brothers Ken and Michael Becker, daughter Jacqueline, and family dog Shalom.

“We know they greeted him with Big Becker Hugs,” his daughters Rachael and Cecilia Becker said.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Feb. 14, at noon, at Harmony Elementary School, 1935 Bohemian Highway, Occidental. Please bring a dish to share if able.

Barry was born in Milford, Massachusetts, in 1941. He grew up in Hopedale, Massachusetts, graduated from Hopedale High School in 1959, and went on to earn a degree from the Massachusetts College of Optometry in 1964. In 1969, Barry moved to Sebastopol with his then-wife, Geraldine, taking over an optometry practice from a retiring local doctor. He made Sebastopol home for his growing family, building over 50 years and creating a legacy of community service, dedication to his patients, and devotion to his children.

Dr. Barry Lutz was a cornerstone of the Sebastopol community. You could often find him zipping down Gravenstein Highway in one of his Mustang convertibles or Mini Cooper, top down, as he headed to a tennis game or a Kiwanis Club meeting. His conversations were always marked with laughter—his smile and trademark belly laughs were some of his most defining characteristics. He loved his career as an optometrist, engaging with Sebastopol residents, learning about their lives and hobbies, and helping to correct their vision with stylish glasses or the newest contact lenses. Through his longtime service with the Kiwanis Club, he founded Sebastopol’s July 3rd Fireworks Show. His vision was to provide locals with their own celebration—complete with music, food, and community spirit—and scheduled on a day that wouldn’t conflict with Santa Rosa’s Fourth of July fireworks display.

Barry embraced life with passion, living a life defined by his dedication to an active lifestyle. He played tennis daily—during lunch hours in Sebastopol or weekends in Guerneville, with beers and stories with friends afterward. An avid cyclist, he treasured riding through the landscapes of Healdsburg and Sebastopol and throughout the US and Europe later in life. Equally cherished were weekly winter weekends skiing with his children in North Lake Tahoe. He often skied through whiteout conditions, first and last on the mountain, with his children in tow. When they complained about the cold, he would laugh and quip, “You gotta be tough!”

His love for music shone through daily piano playing. His children were accustomed to waking up and falling asleep to the sound of him playing the piano, his most treasured musical instrument.

Though Barry had many hobbies and civic engagements, his greatest joy and pride came from spending time with his children. He treasured every moment with his four daughters and “1” son. A man of unwavering optimism, Barry encouraged his children to smile every day, reminding them “the sun will always come up tomorrow. “Here we are,” he would say during family gatherings—embodying his gratitude for present moments together.

One of his favorite songs was “What a Wonderful World,” a song that celebrates the beauty and goodness of the world, finding joy in everyday things like a beautiful day and the laughter of children. It’s a message of hope and appreciation for life, especially during times of difficulty. This song perfectly embodies his extraordinary optimism, loving nature, and enduring humanity.

Barry is survived by his five children, Allyson, Jennie, Brian, Amy, and Sarah-Kate; seven grandchildren, Kyle, Katy, Aiden, Wellesley, Violet, Logan and Perry; and brothers Donald and Bruce Lutz.

The memorial service will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 11am, at Pleasant Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary in Sebastopol, California. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Folk Farm Music School to honor Barry’s love of music and his dedication to the local Sebastopol community.

Nancy Tello was born in Arvada, Colorado, in 1940. Her birth mother was Shoshone of the Wind River Reservation, and her father was a German American. When she was almost 3 years old, she was put up for adoption and raised in Wyoming by her adoptive parents. She was placed in a boarding school by her adoptive parents when she was 15, and ended up in the …

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Linda Kelley, a registered nurse for almost 50 years, former Sebastopol mayor, city council member and planning commissioner, and long-time activist and advocate, passed peacefully in her sleep on March 11.

Linda grew up in a religious family that was dedicated to service to others, which she transformed into a lifetime of public service. She started her…

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Tommy died on Thursday, February 27, 2025 after a long illness. Tommy was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on April 28, 1941. He moved with his family to Fontana, California, when he was 10 years old. He attended Fontana High School then Chaffey Junior College before entering the Air Force. He then attended San Jose State while starting his job at Hewlett Packard in Palo Alto, California. He married the love of his life in 1968. They moved to Sebastopol, California in 1973 where they lived together for 52 years. He worked for Hewlett Packard for over 40 years. He was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was always ready with a joke, loved to travel and loved anything Disney.

Tommy is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Jeanne. He is survived by his wife Cheryl Rose Mautner and his three children: Victoria Zemrak, Jennifer Rasore (James), Daniel Mautner (Kimberley), 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. He also is survived by his brother Captain (USN - Retired) Donald Mautner (Carolyn), as well as many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be held on April 26, 2025 at 1pm at Holy Ghost Hall, 7960 Mill Station Road, Sebastopol, California, 95472

Richard Pullman Bull died October 9, 2024, at his daughter’s home in Burlingame, CA. He was 82 years old. Richard is survived by his daughters, Laura, Elizabeth, and Jessica, and their families, and his nieces, Robyn and Sandy and their families. He was predeceased by his wife and best friend, Barbara Alice Bull, and his sister, Suzanne.

Richard was born in Oxnard, CA, on October 28, 1941, to Richard Edwin Bull and Maxine Louise Adams. His parents settled in San Bernadino, CA, where his father was an accountant, and his mother was a homemaker. His childhood years exploring the hills and arroyos of Southern California and hearing stories of the Golden West planted his lifelong love of California history and the natural world.

In high school, Richard played baseball and tennis and was president of the debate team. He attended UC Santa Barbara, where he joined the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and lived near the beach. After graduating with a B.A. in Political Science, he served as sailing crew on the Te Vega, a two-masted schooner carrying a Stanford University marine research team in the Gulf of California. He fell in love with physical labor and working outdoors.

In 1964 Richard enlisted in the U.S. Army, graduated from Officer’s Candidacy School and served as a Second Lieutenant. He met Barbara while on leave, and they began writing letters. After he left the Army, Richard bought a VW van and convinced Barbara to move to Venice Beach with him. Richard started doing construction and learning on the job while Barbara finished graduate school.

Richard and Barbara moved to San Francisco and decided to marry when marriage made it easier to become foster parents. They moved north to Sonoma County and then to Sebastopol, spending several years taking care of foster children before having their three daughters.

In Sebastopol, Richard built a career in construction and was actively involved in community life. He volunteered as a gardener for Luther Burbank Home and Gardens, helped run La Clinica, a Spanish-language medical clinic, and tutored in Sebastopol schools. He was an active member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church and sang in the choir for many years. He led canoe trips down the Russian River, went on mission trips, coached his daughters’ softball teams, and won the Sebastopol Christmas decorating contest the only year it happened.

Richard was a great friend and father. He was fun and quirky and full of life. He was humble and helpful. He told the best and worst jokes. He collected books, stamps, maps, and camels. He loved gardening, reading, sports, Westerns, and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

A memorial service will be held at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Sebastopol, on November 23, 2024, at 11 am, with a reception to follow.

Any donations may be given to the St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church Rector’s Discretionary Fund.

Robert Grant Hauge, a loving husband, son, brother, uncle and friend, died peacefully at home in Sebastopol on May 25, 2024, at the age of 76, having bravely battled pancreatic cancer for 16 months.

Bob was born in Redwood City, CA, on Nov. 6, 1947, raised in Marin County by his parents, Virginia Grant and Robert J Hauge, and after his father’s death, his stepfather, Everett Murphy. From them, he learned the value of family, community and hard work. 

Bob graduated from San Rafael High School in 1965. From there he attended College of Marin, received his BS degree from UC Davis and graduated from UCSF’s Physical Therapy program in 1986. 

Longtime residents will remember the legendary West of the Laguna that Bob opened in 1974. Along with pizza and beer, Bob introduced live music, comedy and poetry, providing the community a musical and social center. The Laguna gave first-time entertainers the opportunity to perform in an intimate venue and also hosted major acts like Kate Wolf and Nina Gerber, Dan Hicks, Robin Williamson and Dana Carvey.

Bob began a long career as a physical therapist, well-versed in many disciplines. He focused on neurotype treatment and taught both therapists and interns. He worked at a variety of locations in Santa Rosa, including North Coast Rehab and Memorial Hospital. He was highly respected by both fellow therapists and patients.

From an early age, Bob had a passion for being in nature. He became an avid outdoorsman and was happiest when he was camping, hiking, backpacking, fishing, skiing, bodysurfing or snorkeling. He spent many summers with dear friends hiking and fly fishing in the Sierra. Winters took him downhill and cross-country skiing from Lake Tahoe to his favorite, the Alta Peruvian in Utah. He found a community of skiers through the Santa Rosa Ski Club and for years served on their board, helping to plan trips nationally and abroad. With them, he skied the Dolomites in Italy.

Bob traveled to England, Scotland, Italy, Mexico and Hawaii. In Norway, he investigated his heritage. Most importantly, Bob shared his adventures with his wife of 48 years, Patty Wilkinson. Facing deep snow, trekking across frozen rivers, fording rushing streams was all part of the grand adventure for Bob.

Bob was predeceased by his father, Robert J. Hauge; mother, Virginia Murphy; stepfather, Everett Murphy and brother, Steven.  Bob is survived by his loving wife, Patty Wilkinson. His extended family includes his brothers-in-law Howard (Pam Hanson) Wilkinson, John (Betsy) Wilkinson, Jerry (Sandra) Kehoe and sister-in-law, Liane Venzke; nieces Jessica (Shane McCorkle) Kehoe, Emily, Caroline and Rebecca Wilkinson; nephews Jared and Brendan Kehoe; and grand nieces Reese and Maggie McCorkle, along with many dear friends.

We will remember his kind heart, warm eyes and welcoming smile, compassion for others, and playful, easygoing nature. He will be greatly missed by all.

A Celebration of Life will be held in his honor Sunday, Nov 3, 2024, at the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center on Morris Street from 1 to 4 pm.

Christine Pool passed away peacefully on August 10, 2024. She was 75 years old.

She was born in Long Beach, California, in 1949 to Clyde and Jacqueline (Jackson) Spring. Christine lived in California and northeast Texas for the majority of her life. She spent many years managing Beauty Store & More stores in Sebastopol, Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, and Sonoma, California. She ultimately retired from Safeway as a manager. Her favorite place to be was Sebastopol where her two daughters attended high school. She loved shopping at the local nurseries, antique stores, shops, and bakeries. She also loved spending her free time in Bodega Bay, enjoying a cup of clam chowder at Spud’s and lying on the beach.

Christine was a very kind and giving person who was loved by many and will be deeply missed. She had a way of making people feel loved and understood and her personality drew others to her.  Christine’s faith and sense of humor were very important to her, and she relied on both during her lifetime.

Christine is survived by her children, David Pool and wife, Darla, Robert Pool and wife Kristie, Maggie Fockler and husband Brent, and Jennifer Coffey; nine grandchildren, Mark Adams, Jr., Alexis Starkey, Nathan Pool, Kayla Coffey, Clayton Pool, Alison Roush, Lucas Pool, Kylee Pool, and Kameron Coffey; six great grandchildren, three sisters, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Christine was preceded in death by her father, mother, brother Dale Spring, son Mark Adams, Sr., and former spouses Robert King and Richard Pool.

Memorial Mass is scheduled on November 2, 2024, at 10 am at St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church in Sebastopol, CA.

Gordon Stewart was an adventurer, inventor, cyclist, philanthropist, and generous helper to a multitude of friends.

He was a newborn in his parent’s camper trailer that was their home on farms neighboring RAF bases in WWII, where his father maintained Lancaster bombers. He then grew up attending Irish boarding schools while his parents lived overseas as his father worked for British Vickers and later for Boeing, just as the jet age began.

In school he was known as a non-traditional intellect and athlete on the rugby pitch and track. Gordon came to join his father in Seattle and attended Pacific Lutheran University, where his active mind suffered through classes, his legs set campus track records, and he bought his first 10-speed as his main mode of transport. He graduated at the peak of the Vietnam conflict, when he drove cross country with his English cousin Michael, and then enlisted in the Navy where he served on the USS Tulare, the only sailor on board with a bike for exploration when on shore leave around the Pacific.

The Navy brought Gordon under the Golden Gate to San Francisco—a place with the climate, beauty and cultural energy where he could thrive. He found a job with a small consulting company in the infancy of the 1970s computer business, and joined the Marin County runners who would challenge his legs and mind. He helped runners publish the Bay Area Schedule and created the first computerized race registration system,

He worked at the leading edge of computerized communications, pioneering the 900-number business (you may remember the Jean Dixon Horoscope and call-in sports scores and stock quotes, they were his), and a variety of first-time uses for IBM Series 1 computers. At that firm, he met his future wife, Cora. Their casually dressed team worked out of a basement office near Chinatown; the company was eventually bought by MCI, which used their processing system for several years.

After living in the City and Berkeley, Gordon and Cora retired to Sebastopol in 1997 where Gordon joined the Santa Rosa Cycling club, and became, as club members recall, “a legend.” Gordon made it his goal to ride every paved road in the county, lead club rides and loved to introduce people to “the world’s best place to bicycle.” He was the registrar for the SRCC Wine County Century bike ride for many years.

He rode cross country, qualified for the 1,200 kilometer Paris-Brest-Paris (which he unfortunately could not ride due to an accident shortly before), and made long distance rides in the US and Europe. Recently Santa Rosa Community Bikes was thrilled to receive his donation of seven of his bikes he could no longer ride.

He was a valued board member for Sonoma County charities including KRCB Radio, LandPaths, and the Cycling Club.  His friends benefited from his energetic assistance; he loved cooking and became a master bread baker who brought warm loaves to his weekly social gatherings.

In 2022 Gordon finally sought assistance for a nagging cough that was diagnosed as Interstitial Lung Disease, a debilitating ailment with no obvious cause and no cure. He of course soon became an expert in oxygen assistance technology and assisted members of the Bay Area lung disease group with whom he shared a weekly Zoom call.  

During his last months, groups of friends came to his Sebastopol home for weekly potlucks and the opportunity to share years of memories. With his remaining energy, he helped find a new home for Cora in central Sebastopol and managed the work to make it ready for her. With his work done, he passed away peacefully at home with Cora at his side on September 16.

Gordon is survived by his wife Cora, his brother Jim and nephews and nieces in California and Washington State.

The heart of our family, Carol Rosanne “Rose” Prandini peacefully left this world on May 8 at the age of 74, encircled in love at her home with a grand view.

A tender heart and compassionate soul with unshakeable faith, Rose lived her life in service to her God, her family and her community, impacting everyone she touched. Her love for her devoted husband of 53 years, Steve, their children Heather, Seth and Rachel, son-in-law TJ, and grandsons Danilo and Judah was enduring and enriched each of their lives. As a mother and grandmother, she embodied the Biblical teaching that “love is patient.”

A seeker of knowledge and new perspectives, Rose had a rich inner world, with a curiosity for life that kept her a student of literature and lover of art. After raising her three children, she went back to school, earning a degree in English Literature from Sonoma State University.

Always in tune with the pulse of the world, Rose stood strong in her beliefs while remaining open to cultural shifts. Her love and compassion for others never stopped evolving and expanding with the times.

She had a passion for music and lyrics, sharing with her children a respect for the power of song to comfort, create connection, and bring joy. An artist and writer, Rose penned her love and wove creativity through the foundation of her children’s lives. Every Halloween costume she crafted, every birthday party she dreamt up, every family vacation she planned was a testament to her imaginative spirit, keeping her family connected even as distances grew.

Rose and Steve loved to travel together, and with friends and family. Before setting foot in a new place, she always immersed herself in the books, films, music, and history of its people, making her travels not only visits, but meaningful cultural explorations.

As we remember her, we carry forward the lessons she taught us: to explore, to create, to connect, and to love with openness and curiosity. Her legacy of compassion will live on in every encouraging note we write, every playlist we curate, every gathering we host, and every loving embrace we share.

There was a memorial gathering in the garden at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church on June 1. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Sebastopol Rotary Educational Foundation.

For those who have not heard yet, my beautiful wife and partner of 30 years, passed away on June 2. Cypress Stuart was one of the kindest, smartest, wisest, loveliest, and most beautiful souls I have ever known. It was certainly one of my greatest blessings in this life to be her partner, as well as coparent to three amazing daughters…all of whom we are enormously proud.

Cypress was diagnosed with dementia (most likely FTD) one year ago exactly. It clearly was a very fast acting form of dementia which took her speech, her balance, her memory, and her ability to tolerate sounds and activities. She left this world of her own accord and on her own terms, leaping into the afterlife with certainty and joy.

True to form, Cypress did not leave us until she was certain that her family members could handle the pain of her passing, and accept with strength and groundedness the loss we would all inevitably feel from her absence. And of course she did…it was just who she was.

Cypress lived her life as a person with immense integrity, and a compassion that came from a deep well of love within herself. She was not one who let many people get close to her, however, those she did, she loved wholeheartedly, without expectations or judgements of any kind, and with her best intentions always for the other.

She was the calm to my storm, the beacon of light for our children, and the very, very best friend to me that I ever could have hoped for.

Though we grieve the loss of her, we remember her before this sorrow, and celebrate her freedom back to the soul space of her enormous heart: her bright light, her mama bear vigils, her tender touch, and her swaying in my arms as we danced in the kitchen.

I wish to name just a few of the people whose lives she so deeply touched, and whom she loved so sweetly here on earth. There would be so many more names on a list of those she affected, but I name these people as those who deeply moved her heart throughout her life, as a tribute to her loving relationships: Zoe, Lex, and Poppy and of course me, Robin Stuart…the Stuart Clan; Mitsuyo Morodomi, her mother; Kathleen Neilsen, her lifelong friend; Pearl Yamaguchi, her bestie'; Janine, Joshua and Gabe McAuley, her elected family; Joe, her first Love Ray Kaplan, just part of the family; Morgan Kennedy, our adopted kin; Billie Eleanor Silberman and Kitty Ritz, very dear friends; Joanne Williams, my mother and her other mother.

You can let go now, my love. We’re good.

Billie Janet Herring, née Moore, beloved daughter, sister, cousin, wife, aunt, mom, grandmother, great-grandmother, and devoted friend to many, passed away at her Sebastopol home of nearly 70 years on May 15, 2024, embraced by her three children. She will be remembered for her abiding love and deep devotion to family and her unwavering kindness to all she knew. Innately, Billie extended grace to everyone. Her favorite way to demonstrate this was sending greeting cards for all occasions to those she treasured. This habit, so dear to Billie, was akin to a hobby.

Billie is survived by: her daughter Janet Herring-Sherman, son-in-law James Sherman, and grandson Adam, all of McMinnville, OR; her son, Patrick Herring, daughter-in-law Helen Herring, grandson Daniel Herring, granddaughter Kathryn Herring (Josh Swedberg), and great-granddaughters Greta Swedberg and Tabitha Swedberg, all of Santa Rosa; granddaughter Megan Shaw (Kyle Shaw), great-grandson, Lewis Shaw, and great-granddaughter Nellie Shaw, all of Fairfax; and daughter Nancy Davidson, son-in-law Bill Davidson, granddaughter Sara Davidson, and grandson Ryan Davidson, all of Santa Rosa. Billie was preceded in death by: her parents; her sister, Gloria Birkhofer of Sebastopol; her first husband, Edgar Herring; her second husband, Haven Best; and, in 1954, her newborn son, Robert J. Herring.

Billie Janet was born to John William and Salome Alice Moore (née Herring) at their home on Willow Street near downtown Sebastopol, the town where she would reside her entire life. Billie’s name was chosen because she so strongly resembled her father. Her middle name, Janet, was inspired by Janet Gaynor, the first woman to win an Academy Award for Best Actress the year Billie was born. Billie and her sister, Gloria, grew up in the Willow Street home, attending Sebastopol and Park Side elementary schools, and later walking to Analy High School. On weekends and after school, the sisters worked at their parents’ nearby store, Moore’s Market and Butcher Shop, on Bodega Avenue. Billie recalled the feeling of family they shared at home and at their store, which had been her paternal grandfather’s. In her teens, she worked at Art Point Studios, making cards and announcements for movie stars, then as an usher at El Rey Theater on South Main Street.

The Moore family was one of the first in town to own a television, and Billie liked the early sitcoms. On TV in recent years, she was a fan of the Hallmark Channel and the shows, Jeopardy, Dancing with the Stars, and Wheel of Fortune. “The Sound of Music” and  “Dirty Dancing” were her favorite movies—appropriate choices since Billie, a graceful dancer, had enjoyed singing when her mother played the piano and in the church choir as a youth. Billie’s love of jigsaw puzzles and card games was born in her pre-teen years, as was her early passion for sewing, encouraged by her father when he bought her a sewing machine as a surprise eighth-grade graduation gift.

After high school, Billie worked as a teller at the Bank of Sonoma County. She met Sebastopol native Edgar Joseph Herring at the wedding of her high school friend, June DeKleva, and George Mendonca in July of 1950. Ed and Billie were engaged that Christmas Eve and married on March 17, 1951, at St. Sebastian’s Catholic Church.

Shortly after, she joined Ed at Best & Feaks Insurance Agency as secretary and receptionist, a perfect role for the young beauty with a welcoming smile, gracious manner, and pleasant phone voice. For 35 years, Billie worked off and on at the agency, which they purchased in 1953. In 1955, Billie, Ed, and Janet were one of the original families to settle in Sebastopol’s earliest subdivision, Belmont Terrace near Covert Lane.  Billie laughed when she recounted how an apple tree once stood where her living room fireplace was.

Billie was instrumental in helping Ed with his insurance affairs and civic duties, especially for the Lion’s Club. She spearheaded the decorating of many a float for Apple Blossom Parades. At Best & Feaks, she was able to fashion a work schedule that allowed her time to raise her children. Billie seldom missed a horse show, school function, musical performance, or sports event—often held at the same schools she’d attended. For years, Billie was a Sebastopol Bobby Sox Girls Softball Team chaperone.

In retirement, she picked up that pace again, regularly caring for her grandchildren as babies and youngsters, and cheering them on as they played soccer, softball, baseball, volleyball, and basketball, wrestled, and performed in school bands. All who knew Billie would agree, she was born for the role of grandmothering.

Billie and Ed had four children; established the family’s cherished, and now 63-year-old, summer tradition of vacations at the rustic Trinity Alps “Resort” in Trinity County; hosted countless family birthday parties, Christmas Eve, Thanksgiving, Easter, Fourth of July, Super Bowl, and Cal vs Stanford football game gatherings; and, in the early years, recurrent Pedro card parties. She was a loyal San Francisco Giants fan. The couple traveled, often by cruise ship, to 17 countries on five continents with Hawaii, Scandinavia, and Japan her favorite destinations.

Four years after Ed passed away, Billie’s family expanded in an unexpected way. On May 15, 2010, she married widower Haven Best and opened her arms to his family. They were wed at the United Methodist Church in Sebastopol where Billie was a member. An established apple grower in Graton, Haven had been a childhood friend of Ed’s while growing up in Hessel, outside Sebastopol.

As perpetual honeymooners, Billie and Haven put many miles on their beloved RVs, Fireball and Fireball 2, making many trips through California and Oregon. Alongside Haven, Billie’s childhood love of fishing was rekindled. Some of her biggest smiles came while proudly displaying a sizeable trout catch! Billie and Haven split their time between his home in Graton and hers in Sebastopol where fun included nightly games of Rummikum. Haven passed away in 2017. Soon after, the first of Billie’s four great-grandchildren was born.

Family gatherings were a key part of Billie’s life from the day she was born. Fittingly, Billie played out her last weeks in the home where she raised her family. Her 95th birthday and final Mother’s Day were spent surrounded by her children and their spouses, grandchildren and their spouses, and great-grandchildren.

Billie’s family is extremely grateful to her devoted caregiver, Talica “Tali” Tuberi. They are also thankful for the many cards, videos, photos, and flowers sent, calls made, and other kindnesses offered to Billie during her time in Hospice care.

A funeral service will be held June 12, 10 a.m., at Pleasant Hills Memorial Park, 1700 Pleasant Hill Road, Sebastopol, followed by a celebration of life, for sharing memories of Billie, at the Holy Ghost Hall, 7960 Mill Station Road, Sebastopol. Private family interment at a later date.

In Billie’s memory, please consider donating to Providence Hospice Sonoma County, 439 College Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95401, or Sebastopol United Methodist Church, 500 N. Main St., Sebastopol, CA 95472.

Don Homer Townsend, 79, of Windsor, CA, passed away on May 17, 2024. He was born on April 25, 1945. Don leaves behind his beloved wife, Myra Townsend, and his sons, Scott Townsend and Colton Townsend. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Shannin Townsend.

Don was a kind and gentle man that was always looking for someone new to talk to. If you were not careful you would miss his subtle sense of humor. He’s been known to get people laughing with just a few words. 

Don spent over forty-one years living in Sonoma County, where he found joy in fishing, gardening, and working on various projects around his property. He cherished country life and the simplicity it offered him. Don's passion for planting vegetables each year was evident in his dedication to his garden.

A proud Marine, Don served his country with honor. After his military service, he had a successful career as a UPS and Freight Semi-truck Driver, as well as a Produce Manager at Fiesta Market.  For over 34 Years, Don brought the freshest produce to Fiesta Market in Sebastopol.

Don loved many things, but his passion was fishing. As long as you could get a line in the water, all was good. Even if that body of water was 27 miles down a dirt road at 10 miles an hour. 

He loved dogs all of his life, though there was one dog that exceeded being a ‘dog’ and became an integral part of the family, Sherry Baby. She went everywhere he did. Dinners, outings and vacations were all planned with Sherry Baby in mind.

His enthusiasm for life was infectious, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 9th, 2024, at 2:30pm at 458 Hidden Acres Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448. (Please carpool if possible) 

Don Townsend will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his service to his country, and his love for the simple pleasures in life. May he rest in peace.

Liv Helene Needham Mackay was born April 1938 in Oslo, Norway. In August 2023, she left this life in Sandpoint, Idaho. She was at home with family. She is survived by her beloved husband, Steve, three children (Saille, Dan, and Jennifer), and three grandchildren (Jason, Sarianna, and Massimo).

Liv had many professional roles in her lifetime and was a proud President of the Sebastopol chapter of the Business and Professional Women’s club. She was also a gifted yoga instructor for decades, profoundly benefitting her students’ physical, mental, and spiritual well being.

Her enthusiasm for meeting people, spending time with friends, and delighting in her surroundings was inspiring. She is missed, and may we keep her teachings and spirit alive in our hearts and actions.

In her memory, do some sun salutations, and pass on her gifts of kindness and enthusiasm to those around you.