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.

Dwight was a good man who had suffered various challenging traumas in his early and last years. He will be remembered for his love of music, years of vigorous bicycling including in France, his willingness to help others, his humor, and his suffering through prostate cancer and depression. Dwight is survived by two families: his family of origin includes his three sisters, Sandra, Elizabeth and Catherine, his nephew and nieces, great nephew twins and two great nieces, all in Portland, Oregon; his second family of AA over four decades provided love and support through good years and tough times. Others in the Sebastopol area were also an important part of Dwight’s network. His ashes will be spread over Bodega Bay where he loved to go for sea air and peaceful respites. There will be a memorial service in Sebastopol.

Sher Lianne Christian made her transition on March 11, 2023, in Santa Rosa, Ca. Born in Hutchins, Kansas, in 1946, she is survived by her husband of 34 years, John Christian, her brother Bryan Smith, and beloved nieces and nephews.

She was a teacher in her early adult life and taught in such diverse places as Southern California, Waianae Valley, Hawaii and a one room school house in the Trinity County backwoods. She had quite a few colorful stories about the places she taught. She lived her later adult life in Nevada City, CA for 23 years and moved to the town of Bodega, Ca in 2005.

She wrote Star Kissed Shadows, a book of poetry and completed another book before her passing, which will be published in the future. She and husband John recorded Sweet Tongue, a CD of spoken word and music. One of her greatest joys was reading her poetry to others. She started the Literary Cafe Writers group in Sebastopol, CA, over 10 years ago. It’s an open mic for writers, poets and storytellers, which still meets weekly online. She was a flower essence practitioner, an iridologist and used essential oils to help others overcome personal challenges.

She loved to travel and visited Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand and drove across country more than once.  She loved sunshine, flowers, cats, the ocean, the deserts, dessert, gardening and her honey. She will be missed. 

Ellen Stillman passed away peacefully on April 22, 2023. She was born in Carmichael, CA, on November 22, 1935, to William and Effie (Cummings) Yeaw. Ellen attended San Juan High School and San Jose State College. She graduated as valedictorian with a major in physical education and a minor in French and was a standout field hockey player for the college. In 1957 she married Willard (Bill) Stillman. They were married for 60 years until Bill's passing in 2017. They moved to Sonoma County in 1959, where they raised four children. In 1972, Ellen began teaching at Analy High School, where she built a popular French language program. She retired in 1995 and continued as a substitute teacher long into retirement.

Community involvement was a cornerstone in Ellen's life. She guided the Sebastopol Community Church apple pie sale for over 40 years to raise money for church camp scholarships, taught English as a second language, served two terms on the Sonoma County Grand Jury, served as a board member for the Sebastopol library, worked at a food bank, and prepared bag lunches for the unhoused.

Ellen's interests were broad and brought her joy. She was a master gardener, sewed for her children and grandchildren, and enjoyed attending the Santa Rosa Symphony. Her boundless energy and enthusiasm for life garnered a wide circle of friends with whom she shared books, hiked, traveled, and played tennis.

Ellen delighted in her children and grandchildren, and hosted many holidays and family reunions. She will be remembered for holding her large family together with a spirit of welcome, fun, and unconditional love.

Ellen was preceded in death by her brothers, Galen Yeaw and Edward (Carolyn) Yeaw. She is survived by her four children, Carl (Stacey) Stillman, Chantal (Rolf) Frankenbach, Cordel (Ann) Stillman, Tanya (Jimmy) Stillman, and six grandchildren: Julia Frankenbach, Kyra Stillman, Rowan Frankenbach, Rachel Lynde, Sofia Frankenbach, and Robert (Chelan) Lynde.

At Ellen's request, there will be no memorial service. Donations in Ellen's memory can be made to the Effie Yeaw Nature Center in Carmichael, California, or Doctors Without Borders.

Our beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend, Hannah Carmel Lord left this world unexpectedly, at 26 years of age, on January 16, 2023. We are heartbroken. No words can fill our empty hearts. Born in Sebastopol, CA, on April 25,1996, to Kathleen Vyenielo Lord and the late John E Lord. Her brother Justin was her best friend. Their bond was immeasurable.

 Hannah was adventurous and spirited from the day she was born. She grew up in Sebastopol where she attended the local schools. Hannah graduated from Mt. Olympus Preparatory High School in Salt Lake City, Utah. She attended Santa Rosa Junior College in pursuit of a career in the dental field. Hannah had recently completed her Dental Radiology Certification and was extremely proud and excited about her future. She loved working at the office of Dr. Andy McCormick and was grateful for the opportunities and support she received there.

Hannah loved to love. She was a lover of animals, especially to her cat Roary. Hannah adored  the beach, family vacations at Angora Lakes, adventures with her friends and was especially passionate about fashion. She was funny, outgoing and vivacious as well as introverted and introspective. Hannah was fiercely loyal to her friends and family and cared about them in the purest way. She always saw the good in people and loved unconditionally.

As one of Hannah’s close friends wrote, “Hannah was the type of friend that comes around once in a lifetime. She was the kind of person that you could be yourself around. What you saw was always what you got with her, and what you saw - if you were lucky enough to be her friend - was a vibrant, dynamic, fun loving and adventurous soul.”

Celebrate the good memories you have of Hannah. We will always remember her infectious smile, piercing green eyes, raspy voice and hearty laugh. She had so much goodness in her and an enormous capacity to bring happiness to others. Her future was bright. The world is a lesser place without her. Hannah’s soul will never die. 

Hannah was preceded in death by her father John E. Lord and grandparents - LeRoy Vyenielo, Joshua and Anne Lord. She leaves behind her mother - Kathleen Lord, brother and best friend - Justin Lord, grandmother - Clarice Vyenielo and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11AM on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at St. Vincent’s Church located at 35 Liberty St. in Petaluma, CA.  A Celebration of Life will follow at the Glenn Ranch located at 4690 D Street Extension in Petaluma, CA.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting a donation be made in Hannah’s name to The Safe Team at Petaluma People Services Center or First Responder Resiliency Inc.

Born October 30, 1944, in Long Beach, CA, and died on February 16, 2023, in Sebastopol, CA, John Morehead was the oldest of three sons born to John Hoe Morehead and Tina Combest Morehead. Hamilton was 2 years younger, and David was 8 years younger. John’s father was 68 when he was born, 70 when Hamilton arrived, and 76 when David was born!

John overcame a troubled childhood and youth maturing into a thoughtful, generous, and kind man. He was talented, resourceful, and always up to date with the newest technology. John’s main job for 27 years was in IT at UCSF where he designed software packages for the university, but he could do just about anything he set his mind to.

John married young and later remarried to Janet Hughes Morehead who he shared his life with for 39 years. He is survived by his two daughters, Fancene Rochon and Tina Harvey, among many others who consider him a loving father. Known as “Uncle John”, he mentored many children along the way. He loved his kids and left a big impact on so many lives!

Locals might have known John's weather site, sleepydog.com/weather, which focused on current weather conditions in Sebastopol, or his annual Halloween festivities on Wilton Ave.

John was also an airplane pilot. He was an accomplished photographer, artist, and an innovative problem solver. John Morehead supported his local community and did a lot of volunteer service. Uncle John had a unique sense of humor, a gentle spirit, and was always willing to lend a helping hand.

He loved simple pleasures, including BBQ's, baseball, outdoor family movie nights, a nice cup of coffee at the local coffee shops, and his carnivorous plants!

John always showed up for people in their times of need. He was a humble man with a huge heart, and he is missed very dearly.

A private service will be held at the end of April. We love you and thank you, John, for the great wisdom you shared.