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Hooper and Weaver Mortuary, 459 Hollow Way, Nevada City, CA (2026)

12/26/2025

Donna Collins Obituary
Donna Collins

April 30, 1940 – December 16, 2025

On Tuesday, December 16th, we lost our mom, grandmother (Bama), sister, and friend, Donna Elaine Collins. Born April 30th, 1940, in Picher, Oklahoma, to Johnnie and Irene Jarvis, she relocated with her family to California, settling in the Bay Area as a young child. Growing up in Concord, CA, with her sister Sherry, she was active in the Theda Rho Girls Club during her teen years. She graduated from Mt. Diablo High School in 1958.

At just 18 years old, while working at the Showcase Theater, she met the love of her life. Ernie Collins, a Marine from Detroit, Michigan, flirted with her as he purchased a movie ticket. They became engaged a few months later and married after a short courtship in November 1958.

Donna and Ernie first settled in Concord, CA, where their three children were born. A short move in 1973 took them to Antioch, where they settled into a busy life with three kids in tow. They became very active in a square-dancing group and enjoyed camping and boating with friends and family. They continued their favorite annual vacation to Lake Britton/Burney Falls, where the family still spends a week every summer. Donna worked as a bookkeeper for Mayer's Jewelers in Antioch.

In 1979, they followed their dream of living and working in a rural area and moved to Grass Valley. Donna continued her bookkeeping career with the local Grass Valley school district. They built their dream home in 1985, where they lived until deciding to downsize and spend winters in a warmer climate after retirement.

Donna and Ernie spent many years as snowbirds, wintering in Mesa, Arizona, where they made lifelong friends. Their social life was busy all winter, enjoying the warmer climate while escaping the colder Grass Valley winters.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Ernie, and her parents, Johnnie and Irene Jarvis. She will be deeply missed by her children: Shelley Mortara (Ed), Diann Patton (Dan), and Patrick Collins (Cherise); her grandchildren: Katie Utterback (Chris), Alexis Patton (Jonathan), Corey Mortara (Megan), Jordan Denoix (Guillaume), Jeremy Mortara, Ryan Collins, and Morgan Collins; and her great-grandchildren: Brandon Utterback, Jackson Utterback, Jenna Utterback, Jack Denoix, Kara Mortara, James Denoix, and Ellie Mortara and her sister Sherry Nunnally.

Donna was gifted in all things crafty. She made beautiful porcelain dolls, crocheted, painted, quilted, and excelled in many artistic endeavors. She was happiest surrounded by her grandchildren, creating handmade treasures and spending time with her animals.

An open-house memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 10th, from 1-3 p.m. at Las Katarinas Restaurant, located at 10100 Alta Sierra Dr., Grass Valley. Please reach out to mortara60@outlook.com if you'd like to join us.

Donations in memory of Donna may be made to Bristol Hospice:

https://bristolhospicefoundationca.org/contact-us/

12/24/2025

Debra Stoutner

September 4, 1958 – September 6, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Debra Dianne Stoutner, who passed away on September 6, 2025 after a short battle of cancer, she was 67.

Debra found peace at the ocean and joy on the dance floor. She also enjoyed calligraphy, collecting frogs and finding four-leaf clovers. Always willing to lend a hand, Debra was deeply loved and will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her children Ashley Kucera, Alana Lavigne, and Douglas Torrance III and her brother, Bruce Odegaard, her beloved grandchildren, Damian, Mason, Miley, Ryder, and Maddy.

Debra was preceded in death by her parents, Alan and Beulah Odegaard, and her sister, Yvonne Benso.

A celebration of life will be held on January 4, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Landmark Missionary Baptist Church in Grass Valley.

12/22/2025

Walker Thomas Price was born on December 22, 1994, to Jim and Jana Price of Grass Valley, California. The youngest of four children. Walker was the baby of the family, and the brightest light that brought us all so much love and joy, with a little bit of mischief. Walker came into this world ready to explore as much as he could, determined to run before he could walk.

Walker always had a need to explore and to teach himself as much as he could. He learned to operate heavy machinery before most kids could touch the pedals because he was fascinated by anything with an engine that could move him from point A to point B.

He attended schools within Grass Valley: Union Hill Elementary and Nevada Union High School where he graduated in 2013.

Outside of work, Walker was creating and finding new adventures. He was the happiest, spending time with the people that he loved the most, whether that was: hanging out with his niece, going camping, riding on countless back roads and desert trails, or attending concerts and festivals. His presence – big-hearted, humorous, and endlessly genuine – left an imprint on everyone who knew him. He will forever be missed.

Walker was preceded in death by his mother Jana Price; along with, many beloved family members who have gone before him. He is survived by his father, James Price; and his siblings: Ashley Price, Ryan Price, Candice Price-Farmer, and his niece Camden Price. His memory will continue to live on in the countless hearts he touched.

We will be Celebrating his Life on January 24, 2026, from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. at Condon Park’s LOVE building.

If you’d like to share photos and videos of Walker’s memory, the family has created a DropBox to do so.

Please see the Facebook Celebration of Life page for link information.

12/19/2025

Walter White Obituary
Walter Keith White

March 30, 1943 – October 17, 2025

Walter Keith White passed away on October 17, 2025. He was 82 years old.

Walter was born on March 30, 1943 in San Jose, CA to Woody and Vida White. He attended a one room schoolhouse in Penn Valley, CA and graduated from Nevada Union High School in 1961. Growing up he enjoyed tending to the land and cattle at his parents homestead. He went on to graduate from the University of Chico in 1965 and received his teaching credentials from CalPoly in San Luis Obispo.

Walter married Jeanette Lowe on June 6, 1964. They moved to Sacramento where their 2 daughters were born and Walter sold real estate. The family moved to Grass Valley in 1969 where Walter worked for Robinson Timber for many years. In the 1970's he started his construction business and built many homes in the area including Bethel Church on Hwy.49.

He was a member of Bethel Church in Grass Valley for many years. He loved attending CBMC, a mens weekly bible study. He served on mission trips all over the world, totaling thirty-seven missions. He enjoyed volunteering at Habitat for Humanity for many years as well. Walter especially enjoyed fishing trips with his grandsons.

Walter is preceded in death by his parents, Woody and Vida White, daughter Tanya Glass, and grandson Mitchell Glass. He is survived by his wife Jeanette White, daughter Tammy, sister Marilyn Chance (Dave), grandsons Jacob Glass, Colby Glass, and Garrett Williams, granddaughter Ellie Williams, three great grandsons, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Walter gave his time and talents to those who needed assistance. He will be missed deeply.

12/19/2025

Corbett Riley

February 27, 1954 – December 8, 2025

Please join us in celebrating the life of Corbett Russell Giles Riley. Corbett passed away at the age of 71 from a sudden and very brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

Corbett was born and raised in Huntington, New York with his father Charles (Chase) Vail Riley, mother Kathryn Heney Riley, big brother Chase and big sister Cass. Corbett had fond memories of his childhood and was very close to his family. He was a beloved husband to his wife Wendy of 40 years, father to his son Travis Riley (Sienna), his daughter Katie Vasquez (Chase), grandfather to Vinny Vasquez and best friends with at least 1,000 people!

After completing his college degree in health sciences, he hopped on a plane and flew to California after securing a job as a bartender in Yosemite Valley. This is where he met his wife Wendy who was also bartending alongside him... and so the adventures began. In their first few years of marriage, Corbett was working towards his doctorate in chiropractic. After graduating and having their first born, Travis, they moved to where they knew it would be the perfect playground to satisfy their thirst for the outdoors. They landed in Nevada City where they have lived for 36 years.

Corbett was our angel, a kind, loving, giving and VERY FUNNY human being. He rooted for the underdog. He lived to make others happy and to feel good. He cared deeply for everyone he knew. He would enter a room with his electric smile and tune right into the one who might have had a bad day, so he could tell them a joke or two or ten until they too were smiling.

He was a chiropractor for this community for decades and embraced every one of his patients like they were family. He brought humor and play into his practice as that was one of his healing superpowers, along with his genuine love toward those he put his hands on.

He was a family man first and foremost and the love amongst his family was what he cherished most in life. From the tea parties he would set up for his little girl, to coaching the little league team for his little boy, and all the countless hours they spent as a family on the slopes at Sugar Bowl, he was always there for them. He and his wife Wendy built their life together around one adventure after the next calling each day "The Best Day Ever" and he made sure of it. They were so deeply in love with one another and never took that for granted. They were best friends and playmates and tried not to take it all too seriously.

Corbett said so often that if he left this earthly place today, he was grateful for the happy and fulfilled life he had. He wants you to laugh with him and not cry for him.

Cheers to Dr. Corbett Riley!

There will be a Celebration of Life for Corbett on Saturday January 3rd from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at The Miners Foundry in Nevada City.

Corbett would want everyone in casual, comfortable attire (even a kilt!)

12/18/2025

Michele Cogley

April 22, 1947 – November 29, 2025

With deep love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Michele Maria Cogley (Wemmer). She passed away at her home in Nevada City, CA on November 29th, 2025 at 78 years old.

She moved through the world with curiosity, wonder, and a deep love for family and friends. Funny, creative, passionate, and endlessly strong, she had a spark that lit up every room.

Michele was born on April 22nd, 1947 in North Hollywood, CA to Dorothy Ethel Colson and John Hadley, and adopted by her step-father, Robert Wemmer, at the age of 2. She was raised in San Bruno, CA with her five younger siblings. She graduated from Capuchino High School.

She came of age as a free-spirited hippie, making her own clothes and growing her own food. She was twice married (to John Bigler and Paul Cogley) and raised four children.

She earned a BA in Fine Arts from San Jose State University and worked as a daycare teacher. Later, she earned a teaching credential from San Francisco State University and became a teacher at John Muir Elementary School. An energetic educator who expanded and enriched the hearts and minds of students, she had a special love for geography and earth science, and shared her fascination with the planet and all its wonders.

She lived many years in San Francisco, embracing the city's diversity and culture. In her later years, she poured her energy into yoga, quilting, watercolor painting, and cheering passionately for her beloved Bay Area sports teams.

In her last year, she returned to Nevada City to be closer to family. Surrounded by love and the serene landscapes she cherished, in her final chapter, she found peace.

She leaves behind a family who adored her, countless friends and students whose lives she touched, and a legacy of courage, creativity, and unwavering heart.

She is survived by her children: Christina Gemignani (Johnny), Azrael Bigler (Mulan), Matthew Cogley (Mina), and Nathaniel Cogley (Wambui); her grandchildren: Brandon Pengelley (Elizabeth), Taylor Gemignani, Jessica Rose, Quett Cogley, Megan Bigler, Quintin Cogley, Chloe Cogley, and Carmen Cogley; and her siblings: Debbie Corona, Barbara Sawyer, Diane Baskett, David Wemmer, and John Wemmer.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 21st, 2025 at 12:00pm at Seaman's Lodge in Pioneer Park, Nevada City, CA.

12/11/2025

Edy Putz transitioned November 18 at 4:44 pm at her home in Lincoln, surround by her husband Robert Putz, her daughter Nicole Sullivan, her dog Murphy, and her cat Lilly. She was 83.

She was born on December 5, 1941 in Grass Valley, CA the first of three daughters, to Harry and Edna Beard. She grew up in the Oakland area. She had various interests and went to school for Court Reporting. She worked at Pendola Enterprises at the Brunswick Saw Mill. She also worked Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital in the radiology unit for a long time. She married Robert Putz in 2006. In 2014, they moved to Lincoln, CA where she lived for the rest of her life.

She was a very talented artist. She was a master quilter making many articles for family members and she was very handy with carpenter tools. She loved painting and drawing, decorating her home and helping others with theirs. She loved parties and dancing. She looked forward to getting together with her cousins for lunches and catching up with extended family news.

She brought laughter, warmth, and beauty in the world – a vibrant soul whose creativity and love left a lasting imprint. She will be missed by all that knew her.

She is survived by her daughter Nicole Sullivan, granddaughter Sofia Cookson, sister Renee Arellaneus and step-daughter Jennifer Crowley. She’s preceded in death by her sister Sandra Rivera, step-sister Rayma Beard Allred, and step-brother Kenneth Pruett.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 24 at 1:00 p.m. at the Reception Hall of Hooper & Weaver Mortuary, 459 Hollow Way, Nevada City, CA.

12/08/2025

Vivian Frederickson of Grass Valley passed away on November 27, 2025 at the age of 96 years old.

A graveside service will be held at the St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery on Highway 174 in Chicago Park, California on December 20th, 2025 at 12:00pm. A memorial service will be planned at Grace Lutheran Church in the spring.

Vivian was born in Santa Rosa, California to Bert and Marcella Bean. She grew up with her brother, Gordan Bean, in Sonoma and Napa Counties with a short stay in Chicago, Illinois. Vivian graduated from Tomales High School in Tomales, California. She married Harry Hague soon after graduating. After Harry got out of the Navy, they lived and worked on the Pecho Ranch near Los Osos, California.

Then they moved to Berkeley, California with two young children, and in 1954 they settled in Walnut Creek, California. There they had their third child to complete their family. After Harry passed away, Vivian married George Frederickson. They moved to Grass Valley, California and created a home and park-like property enjoyed by many friends and family

Vivian always enjoyed the outdoors. She enjoyed identifying wild flowers, hunting, fishing, hiking, and collecting sea shells. Collecting shells led to skin diving and competition spear fishing for Harry. They spent many weekends somewhere along the California Coastline, as well as taking several trips to Mexico, Oregon, and Washington. When Vivian was not preparing the family and camper for another weekend at the coast, she liked to sew. After Vivian and George moved to Grass Valley, they traveled and fished wherever they could in their Sunrader motorhome. They traveled by train to Texas to see Vivian's daughter and family, and then on to Boston to see George's granddaughter. In Grass Valley, Vivian also began quilting, blessing others with her gift. She was very involved with the Chicago Park Garden Club and became a member of the Grace Lutheran Church. She and George enjoyed growing their own vegetables and special dahlias. As a resident of Spring Hill Manor, Vivian served on the resident council board and she was known for doing jigsaw puzzles, greeting others as they came through the front door.

Vivian is survived by her three children: Merrily (Daniel) Williams of Hurst, TX, Michael Hague of Grass Valley, CA, Bonnie (Lee) Brennan of Newport News, VA; as well as eight grandchildren Peter (Erinn) Smith of Brentwood, CA, David (Jessica) Smith of Arlington, TX, Richard Hague of Lodi, CA, Teresa Ashlock of Colfax, CA, Jennifer (Scott) Grove of Newport News, VA, Noah Brennan of Willsonville, OR, Grace Brennan of Ridgecrest, CA, Kelsie Brennan of Beaverton, OR, and 13 great-grandchildren (Logan, Phoebe, Elias, Gage, Blake, Alex, Evan, Evelyn, Ben, Samuel, Raelyn, Eli, and Vivian Elizabeth), plus many nieces and nephews. Vivian was also blessed through her marriage to George, with additional loving family members on the Frederickson/McCurdy/Kiernan side.

Vivian was preceded in death by her husbands, Harry Hague and
George Frederickson, her parents Bert and Marcella Bean, and her brother, Gordan Bean.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations iIn Memory of Vivian Frederickson to Grace Lutheran Church in Grass Valley, California.

12/08/2025

Emerson A. Wallis “Wally” passed away December 2, 2025. Wally was born March 31, 1942, in Fairfield, CA and moved to Nevada City shortly after his birth to be near his mother’s family.

Wally grew up on Nevada Street in Nevada City. He attended Nevada City Elementary School where he made many lifelong friends. Wally graduated with the class of 1960 from Nevada Union High School and attended Sierra College where he received his AA Degree He worked for local land surveying firms. He retired after 35 years at Nevada City Engineering. Wally never forgot a name or a job site!

Wally was a very skilled trap shooter. He was a Life Member of the Nevada County Sportsman’s Club and a past member of the Grass Valley Sportsman’s Club.

Wally is predeceased by his parents Emerson Albert Wallis and Mary Jones Wallis.

According to his wishes, no services will be held.

12/01/2025

Bennett Dear

Bennett Dear was an educator, storyteller, and performer.

On February 21, 1954 at 11:00am Frank Harding Lee and Bessie Louie gave birth to their first child, their son, Bennett Harding Lee. Following Chinese tradition, Grandma Lee, Bennett’s paternal grandmother gave Bennett his Chinese name. She named him Yong Ming. Yong means brave. Ming means bright.

Bennett was born and raised In San Francisco’s Russian Hill neighborhood. Bennett loved exploring. He loved the planetarium shows at Morrison Planetarium across from DeYoung Museum. He thought he might grow up to be an astronomer, if it didn’t mean staying up late all night. Bennett loved visiting great halls of Main Public Library in San Francisco civic center. Listening to echoes of his own footsteps as Bennett climbed the grand staircase that led to massive rooms filled with books. Bennett loved music and performing. He remembers piano lessons as a kid. Bennett took tap dance lessons from the renowned Tony Wing.

Bennett’s biological dad Frank died early from kidney disease in 1959. In 1969, Bennett’s mother remarried. Bennett and Bennett’s sister were legally adopted by kind and loving step father July Chee Dear.

Bennett graduated from University of California Irvine with a BS Computer Science. Later, he earned MS Systems Management from University of Southern California. Bennett worked for various Fortune 500 companies programming computers. Bennett later taught computer classes at Golden West College in Huntington Beach and Sierra College in Rocklin and Grass Valley. After 30 years, Bennett left a career in computers to pursue teaching, storytelling, and performing.

Bennett was a storyteller and performer at heart. Bennett’s first job was at Disneyland. He worked at Tahitian Terrace Restaurant and Enchanted Tiki Room. Disney hired Bennett as a cast member to bounce around like the Tigger character in the Winnie the Pooh parade. Bennett served as house manager at South Coast Repertory Theatre in Costa Mesa. He was a model at Laguna Beach Pageant of the Masters where he modeled A Mexican Vaquero created by Frederic Re*****on in 1890. He volunteered as a supernumerary in Opera Pacific’s productions of Carmen And Aida.

When the indoor stage wasn’t grand enough, Bennett moved his storytelling performances to the great outdoors. Bennett applied and was accepted as a national park ranger for summer seasons at four different national parks; Arches, Grand Canyon, Denali, and Mesa Verde. At Arches NP, Bennett lead adventure minded visitors on a 2-mile walk through the Fiery Furnace. At Grand Canyon NP, he showed visitors how to spot condors on the way to Hermit’s Rest. Bennett ran the visitor center at Denali National Park. Visitors praised it as being well-designed and engaging. Bennett’s favorite assignment was Mesa Verde National Park where he led groups of 50 visitors. Following Bennett’s lead, visitors climbed 32-foot high ladders and crawled through 12-foot long tunnels to witness and experience amazing 12th century cliff dwellings.

In 2006 Bennett moved to San Diego. Bennett drove a 42-foot long double deck zoo bus and gave tours of the world famous San Diego Zoo. He danced with Finest City Squares square dance club. In 2016 he toured London and explored Bath, England. He spent six months in Costa Rica hiking through the rain forests. In 2018, Bennett moved to Denver Colorado and worked at Denver Mountain Parks, Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave. In his spare time, Bennett conducted tours of Molly Brown House Museum.

In 2020, Bennett moved back to his house in Nevada City, California. Bennett volunteered as a tour guide at Empire Mine State Historic Park in Grass Valley and at Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park. He was an enthusiastic supporter of CATS Community Asian Theatre of the Sierras. Bennett taught classes in mahjong and Feng Shui.

Bennett was married to his loving spouse and life partner James Wood Strahan. They lived happily together since 1985 (40 years). They were legally married in 2008. They shared interests in Broadway musicals, storytelling, and other performing arts. They shared a love of tall pines forests and hikes in nature.

Bennett is survived by family and friends who loved Bennett Dear. Including his loving spouse Jim Strahan, Bennett’s mother, Bennett’s sister, brother in law, and nieces.

We miss Bennett’s bright smile, quick storytelling mind, and boundless energy.

No formal memorial service. Fond memories of Bennett Dear live on in our hearts.

11/25/2025

Carolynn Peterson, RN, MSN,AOCN,CHPCA, a devoted leader in nursing, hospice, and oncology care, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2025, at the age of 77. Carolynn was a lifetime learner earning her MSN from UCSF and dedicated nearly four decades to compassionate patient care, leaving an
enduring legacy of service and love.

Carolynn's career spanned 39 years, beginning as a Registered Nurse in Fresno and culminating as Executive Director of Hospice of the Foothills in Grass Valley, CA. Carolynn devoted herself to ensuring dignity and comfort for patients and families during life's most difficult moments. She championed pediatric
hospice care, expanded cancer support programs, and guided hospital teams with compassion and strength. Her vision and leadership touched countless lives and
earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues
and communities alike.

Beyond her professional achievements, Carolynn was a tireless advocate for her community. She was a Lifetime Member of the American Cancer Society, an active participant in the Oncology Nursing Society, and served on the board of the California Hospice and Palliative Care Association. Her generosity extended to
many organizations, including Peace Lutheran Church, Women of Worth, and the Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital Foundations Red Rose Society.

Carolynn is survived by her loving husband of 31 years, Richard Pechon; her son Warren Peterson and his wife Kelly; and her cherished grandchildren, Skylar and Morgan of Grass Valley, CA. She also leaves behind countless friends and family members who were touched by her warmth and strength.

Carolynn spoke her mind, loved her family - including her beloved rescued dachshunds - and cared deeply for her friends. She was a force of nature: passionate, bold, and unwavering in her convictions. Her loyalty was unmatched, her laughter contagious, and her presence unforgettable. Carolynn's legacy is one of courage, love, and authenticity - a reminder to live fully and fiercely. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A Memorial Mass for Stephen Pechon and Carolynn Peterson Pechon will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Grass Valley, January 16, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.

A Memorial Service followed by reception/Celebration of Life for Carolyn Peterson Pechon will be held January 17, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Grass Valley, CA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Carolynn's memory to your local food pantry.

11/22/2025

Kay and Bob Zuelsdorf

Memorial Service

A joint memorial service honoring the lives of Kay and Bob Zuelsdorf will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Nevada City United Methodist Church, 433 Broad Street, Nevada City, California.

Kay and Bob shared more than six decades of marriage, family, and adventure-from their early years in Madison, Wisconsin, to their RV travels through nearly every state, to their active involvement in the Grass Valley and Nevada City community. Kay was known for her dedication, generosity, and beautifully handwritten notes, and for her many years of service to her church community, especially through the Christmas outreach program and the Craft Faire. Bob was known for his friendliness, puns, and lifelong work in broadcast engineering, as well as his deep involvement in church life, woodworking, music, and outdoor pursuits.

Loved by family, friends, and all who crossed their path, Bob and Kay leave behind a legacy of kindness, service, and friendliness. All who knew them are warmly invited to attend and celebrate their lives. Kay passed away in October 2023, and Bob passed away in July 2025.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nevada City United Methodist Church. If you wish, you may note Zuelsdorf stained glass, as we are working toward creating a window in their honor. Donations may also be made to GirlsWhoCode.com

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