01/31/2026
Joseph Liggett Obituary
Joseph L. Liggett
August 10, 1938 – January 4, 2026
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Joseph L. Liggett, a man of integrity, boundless energy, and the rare ability to conceive, design, and build just about anything he set his mind to. Joe was born in San Francisco on August 10, 1938, and on January 4, 2026, he passed away peacefully in the comfort of his Grass Valley home, surrounded by his three daughters and two of his closest friends. Proud and strong-willed, Joe touched countless lives throughout his 87 years with his determination, loyalty, and unwavering devotion to family and friends.
Known as Joey in his youth, he was the firstborn child of Joseph L. Liggett Sr. and Helen E. MacKillop. After the sudden passing of his father when Joey was just 14, he moved to Adlers Ranch north of Cloverdale, CA where he was raised by his maternal grandfather, Alexander MacKillop. Though his grandfather was a stern disciplinarian and a formidable presence, Joey's years on the ranch were filled with adventure. He loved riding his horse and caring for the animals, especially gathering and shearing the sheep.
One of Joe's favorite childhood memories was sneaking off to the Petaluma Creamery, hopping into one of the circulating milk crates, and riding it through the maze of conveyor belts - something he fondly joked was great fun, at least until he got caught.
Upon graduating from Cloverdale High School in 1956, Joe enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served honorably for three years and fulfilled his remaining commitment in the reserves. He carried the Marine Corps values of Honor, Courage and Commitment with him always viewing his service to his country as one of his greatest sources of pride.
Shortly after his discharge, Joe married his first wife, Vicki J. Masengale, and together they welcomed two daughters, Lori Diane (1962) and Kelly Michele (1964). During their early marriage, Joe worked alongside his father-in-law, Jack Masengale, at the family business in Wasco, CA, which included a service station, wrecking yard, and towing service. There, Joe became a master diesel and gas mechanic, excelling in bodywork, restoration, and automotive painting. Throughout his life he restored several vintage automobiles to better-than-factory-original condition, never compromising craftsmanship for speed. If something took longer to do correctly, Joe found the time - because doing it right mattered.
In 1965, after purchasing his first home in Wasco, Joe began his career with PG&E as a groundman and quickly worked his way to the position of lineman. Long days and nights were often the norm, but his work ethic was unmatched. He took great pride in his union job and the union family he was part of. Joe and Vicki's marriage ended in 1971.
In 1972, Joe married Pricilla Jean Wood in Wasco. Their marriage united four children - Lori and Kelly, and Jean's children, Kevin and Keri - into one family. Summers were filled with shared adventures, including camping trips to Bass Lake where everyone learned to water ski, visits to theme parks, and motorcycle rides in the country.
In 1978, Joe and Jean moved to Grass Valley, purchasing the home where they would live for the rest of their lives. Together they shared a love of gardening and landscaping, transforming their property into a beautiful Japanese-inspired garden. True to form, Joe designed and built all of the hardscape elements himself.
Joe retired from PG&E in 2000 as a troubleman after 35 years of dedicated service. In retirement, he and Jean enjoyed numerous RV trips to Fort Bragg and Morro Bay, always accompanied by one of their beloved Yorkshire Terriers, whom they doted on like another child. Over the course of their 47-year marriage, they shared their lives with five of these loyal companions. To celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary, Joe and Jean took an Alaskan cruise with daughter Kelly and her husband, Geno.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph L. Liggett Sr. (1952) and Helen MacKillop Johnson (1980); his grandparents, Alexander MacKillop (1961) and Aimee MacKillop (1952); his sisters, Claudia Lee Guluarte (2009) and Aimee Johnson-Reading (2015); his cherished wife, Pricilla Jean Liggett (2019); and her son, Kevin Callahan (2024).
He is survived by his daughters, Lori Liggett (Doug) of Midvale, Idaho; Kelly Christenson (Geno) of Butte, Montana; and Keri Callahan of Grass Valley, California; as well as his grandchildren, Lori's daughter, Mason Hooper of Portland, Oregon, and Keri's son, Joseph Warrillow of Grass Valley, California.
Joe will be forever remembered for the twinkle in his bright blue eyes and the quiet chuckle that followed when someone managed to draw out one of his genuine laughs.
In accordance with his wishes, Joe was cremated. A graveside burial and service will be held at a later date.