Ramsey Funeral Homes

01/27/2026

Bruce Thompson was born May 27, 1952, in Oroville CA to his loving parents James Thompson and Melvia Thompson. He was affectionately known as Uttie and Brutus. He was not only loved by his parents, family, and friends, but he had a special relation with his siblings.

Bruce loved sports. He played baseball and football in high school. Incidentally, he was so proficient in football he played varsity football as a sophomore. His favorite professional teams are the Raiders and the San Francisco Giants. Also, he loved to fish. A point to relish is that Bruce was the only African American bull riding champion from Oroville, CA. As he got older, on many occasions you would find him exercising and taking long walks in order to stay in shape.

Bruce received his k-12 education in the Oroville Union School District. He graduated from Las Plumas High School in June of 1970. His post high school career was highlighted by attending San Jose State University.

Bruce had a strong and committed work ethic, which he learned from his father. He was employed by Las Plumas Lumber, later Jimmy John Lumber and a local asphalt company where he worked more than 30 years before retiring. After retiring he made his home in Chico, CA. But he never forgot his roots, which were learned in Oroville, CA.

One of the greatest days in Bruce’s life is when he gave his life to the Lord. At that point, not only did he know Jesus as his savior, he knew him as his Lord. He was subsequently baptized on July 21, 2024.

Bruce’s father, mother: James Thompson and Melvia Thompson; brothers: James Thompson, Jr., Darryl Thompson, and Keith Thompson; sisters: Sevalyn Armster, Linda Steele, and Debra Thompson; his son, Joshua Thompson proceeded him in death. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his step mother, Esther Thompson, wife, Sheryl Thompson of 30 years with whom he had a communicative relationship for 50 years, children: Trevor Thompson, Danielle Thompson, Levi Thompson, Staley Thompson (who passed two weeks after his father), Colby Thompson, and Robert Cumbuss; siblings: Clifford Thompson, Phyllis Rothschild (Samuel), Kevin Thompson (Deborah), Kenneth (Kimbo) Thompson, Noreen Thomas (Darnel), Tammie Hills, Jammie Bennett-Thompson, D’Aun Thompson, Monique Thompson, Trent Thompson (Rachel), Maya Thompson, and Brandon Thompson and many grandchildren, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, special friend, Lowell Campostrini, and associates.

11/25/2025

Heidi Lynine DeHoff, 51, of Oroville, California passed away on November 18th, 2025, following a long period of health issues.

Heidi was born on May 16, 1974, in Paradise, California to Tom and Debbie May, and in 1983 Heidi was adopted into the family of Allan and Debbie Jernigan. She was active academically and athletically throughout her early school years, earning honor roll distinction in all four years at LPHS. In high school, she participated in several team sports, including tennis, basketball, volleyball and softball. During her senior year she bean her first job as a waitress at Country Smorgey's in Oroville. In 1993, she began working at the Senior Care Home in Oroville, where she discovered her lifelong passion for nursing.

Following high school, Heidi moved to Wisconsin to attend Western Wisconsin Technical College, where she became a Certified EEG Technician. She later graduated from Yuba College in 2006 as a Registered Nurses and began her career at Rideout Memorial Hospital in Marysville. Throughout her professional life, nursing and serving other remained at the heart of her work.

Heidi's greatest joys were raising her three children and caring for others through her nursing. She cherished outings to amusement parks and local parks with her family, often taking her children simply to watch them play, which brought her great happiness. She also had a lifelong love for shopping and a fondness for new things. In addition, Heidi deeply valued family traditions, including holiday celebrations, Christmas Tree cutting in the mountains, trips to Bucks Lake and Fort Bragg, which were all of her favorite things to share with family.

Heidi was married to Scott DeHoff in May of 2004, and together they settled in Oroville. Her life was filled with love from her three beautiful children, Cody Jernigan, Hayden DeHoff and Owen DeHoff.

She is survived by her mother and father, Debbie & Allan Jernigan, her sister Jeana Mendez and her three children. Though she left us too soon, her loving memory will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, December 11th, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., at Ramsey Funeral Home, 1175 Robinson Street, Oroville, California.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ramsey Funeral Home 530-534-3877.

11/17/2025

RSVP today to join us for our Annual Tree of Remembrance.

10/22/2025

09/15/2025

Dr Kenneth William Harlan, a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on September 2nd, 2025, at his home in Oroville, surrounded by his loving family. Born on June 28th, 1949, in Oroville, CA, Ken was a lifelong resident with deep generational roots in the community he cherished.
Oroville was truly Ken's home, and his life was dedicated to serving its residents. After marrying his devoted wife, Claudia, in 1972, he pursued his doctorate degree in Pharmacology at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA. Upon graduation, Ken and Claudia returned to Oroville, where he proudly took over the family business, Robert's Drug Store. There, he continued the legacy of care established by his father, treating every client like family.
Ken's commitment to his community extended beyond the pharmacy counter. He expanded his scope of care to include home IV therapy and hospice services, always striving to meet the evolving needs of those around him. In 2000, he acquired Olive Pharmacy, a business originally founded by his uncle, bringing together both his father's and uncle's legacies under one compassionate roof.
A man of continuous learning and diverse interests, Ken found joy in reading, traveling with friends and family, and embarking on memorable road trips. He especially cherished "Favorite Fridays" with his beloved grandchildren, sharing his love for cinema and cheering on the Giants at games with his family. Ken also had a lifelong passion for cars, particularly those with a bit of speed.
Retirement afforded Ken the precious gift of more time with his family, allowing him to deepen his relationships with his four cherished grandchildren, Jackson, Sophia, William, and Aurora. Ken's generous spirit and willingness to give his time were profoundly appreciated by all who knew him.
Ken's profound impact and loving spirit will live on through his wife of 53 years, Claudia; his children and their families: Josh and Sandy, Zach and Nelson, and Rachael and Matthew; his beloved grandchildren; his nieces and nephews; his brothers; and his many, many friends. He leaves behind a legacy of unwavering dedication to family, community, and a life well-lived.
A memorial service to celebrate Ken's life will be held on Sunday, September 21st, at 1:00 PM at the Southside Community Center. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to please consider donating instead to one of the charities Ken supported: Oroville Resource Center & Rescue Mission or Haven of Hope.
https://ramseyfuneralhomes.com/tribute/details/5569/Kenneth-Harlan/obituary.html -start

09/15/2025

Joan Charlotte Dotson Townsend
Joan was born June 10, 1935, in Portola California and passed away August 28, 2025, in her home in Oroville CA. She moved to Oroville, California when she was in the third grade and graduated from Oroville High School in 1953.
She married and moved away for a few years, and then came back to Oroville with her three children and decided to return to school at Yuba College. While attending school she worked at a drive-in restaurant where they worked around her school schedule as well as working at the cannery.
While attending Yuba College she met her husband James H. Townsend and married him in 1959.
She earned her AA at Yuba College and went on to attend two years at Chico State University.
She sold Avon until she landed an entry level job at Oroville Hospital and quickly moved on to managing doctor's offices until a position opened at Oroville Family Health Center. She was clinic director/coordinator for Northern Sacramento Rural Health for 23 years.
She served on the California Health Advisory Board as an appointee of Governor Deukmejian and other state health boards advising legislators about the impact of state legislation on the local clinics and residents.
After her retirement from Northern Sacramento Rural Health, she went to work as Butte County Outpatient Clinic Manager of Butte County Public Health where she provided guidance and upgrades in billing for the betterment of Butte County residents.
After again, another retirement upon personal request she returned to public service as the Administrative Assistant to her son Butte County Supervisor Bill Connelly in 2005, which she held for four years until permanently retiring.
She served on many local service organization boards not limited to but including the Monday Club, the Butte County Historical Society, Oroville Republican Women's Federation, Oroville Sunrise Rotary, and the Butte County Fair Board.
Joan attended church with her family and friends for over 60 years and was very proud of her Christianity.
She was preceded in death by her parents Lora K. Wallis Dotson and Joseph Dotson and her only sibling Jack Dotson.
She is survived by her husband of 65 years, James H. Townsend and her four children William F. Connelly, Kathryn (Kim) Downer, Deborah (John) Riley, and James D. (Pamela) Townsend.
She was also very proud of her 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 6 great great-grandchildren.
Joan was a fun-loving person who never met a stranger and was always taking in children who needed a little help.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Oroville Christian Church, Butte Home Health & Hospice, or Wounded Warrior Project.
https://ramseyfuneralhomes.com/tribute/details/5560/Joan-Townsend/obituary.html -start

08/29/2025

Grace Cheff Obituary

September 14, 1931 - August 20, 2025

Grace Cheff died peacefully on August 20th at the age of 93, in Oroville, CA.

Grace is survived by her sons Stuart (Haeyoung), and Steven (Betty), and grandchildren Katie, Jonathan, Ellie, Noah, and Jonah. She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, William “Bill” Cheff, her grandson, Joseph, and her seven siblings Art, Bessie, Dean, Bert, Pike, Rollin, and Bell.

Grace was born in Santa Cruz, California, the youngest of eight children. She was always very proud of the fact that her five older brothers all signed up and served in WWII. She moved to Oroville during the war when her dad began running the boilers at the Oroville Cannery.

Grace began her working career at age thirteen picking prunes. After that, she spent summers at the cannery testing tomatoes for microbes, lifeguarding at Bedrock Park and teaching swimming. She even was a telephone operator from 1949-50. Grace graduated from Oroville High School in 1949, earned a teaching credential from Chico State University in 1954, and remained in Oroville for the remainder of her life. She began teaching in Oroville elementary schools in 1955 and retired in 1991. Grace loved teaching, her students, and the camaraderie of the fantastic teachers she worked with during her career in Oroville.

Grace and Bill loved their annual trip to Santa Cruz, camping, and spending time at Lake Madrone with their close family friends the Walshs, Ricketts, Burnams, Wilsons, and many others. Grace loved attending local sporting events and cheering on her ‘kids’ that she had taught through the years. In Oroville, Maine or wherever she traveled, Grace was passionate about antiquing. Grace also loved gardening; you could find her out on the deck potting plants on any given day.

After retirement, Bill and Grace enjoyed traveling with friends and

spending precious time with their grandchildren in California and Maine. She relished the annual holiday visits to see Stu and his family. She cherished the years they owned a home in Maine, where she knew almost every antique dealer and auctioneer in Penobscot County, and loved watching her grandkids ice hockey games, eating lobster, and watching the fall leaves.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Kim Bone, both a caregiver and friend, who was devoted to caring for Grace during the last years of her life, Marc Walsh, Jenny Schmautz, and their families for always going above and beyond for Grace and her family. Finally, she was blessed to have a group of wonderful friends who depending, on the situation, were called the therapy group, houseboat gals, or Bunco girls.

A private burial service was held at the cemetery on August 26th. A Celebration of Life for Bill and Grace and the gang will be held in 2026; the date is still to be determined.

Arrangements entrusted to Ramsey Funeral Home. (530) 534-3877
https://ramseyfuneralhomes.com/tribute/details/5545/Grace-Cheff/obituary.html -start

08/06/2025

Susan Nanette Boone, 72, of Oroville Ca. peacefully passed away on Sunday, August 3rd, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Susan was born December 19th, 1952 in Oroville, California to Albert and Betty Simmons. From a young age Susan was very active both physically and academically. At the age of 7, she made the front page of the Mercury Register for hula hooping all the way through the Kiwanis kiddie parade. Susan attended and graduated from Las Plumas High School in 1971. While attending LPHS Susan was in the top 10 all four years, she was a member of the National Honor Society, California Scholarship Federation and the girls athletic association. She served as the vice president of the service club, secretary of the student body, and president of the future nurses club. She also played powder puff football, tennis, ran track, and played the clarinet in the school band. She was also a hard worker from a young age. Her first jobs included teaching Sunday school at the First Congregational Church and working as a caregiver at Gilmore Lane Convalescent Hospital. With what free time she had left she also managed to volunteer as a candy striper at Oroville Hospital.

Upon graduating high school Susan attended California State University Chico and majored in Nursing. In 1975 she graduated Cum laude from Chico State with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. After receiving her degree and completing nursing school Susan went on to work as a Registered Nurse at Oroville Hospital for over 30 years. During her long successful career there she worked in the Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, and Same Day Surgery.

Susan's passions included playing tennis, water and snow skiing, camping, white water rafting, hiking and traveling. She was an exceptional chef who loved preparing big meals for her family. Gardening brought her immense joy, particularly tending to her stunning rose garden. Curling up with a good book and a fun sewing project also brought her happiness. The ocean held a special place in her heart, and the sound of the waves was a constant source of peace. Susan was also a devoted Christian who enjoyed spending her Sunday mornings attending services at Grace Baptist Church with her husband Dan.

Susan's life was filled with love from her two beautiful children, Jeana Mendez and Nolan Dodson. In 1998, she married Dan Boone, the love of her life, and welcomed stepson Chris Boone into her heart. Susan was an incredible mom, wife, nana, sister, nurse, and friend touching countless hearts with her radiant smile and bright blue eyes. Though she may be gone her memory and impact will be deeply missed.

Susan is survived by her loving husband of 27 years, Dan Boone of Oroville, Ca. As well as her children Jeana Mendez(Spencer), Nolan Dodson, and stepson Chris Boone(Kasey) all of Oroville Ca. Her four grandchildren Whitney and Wesley Mendez and Virginia and Cora Boone. Her brother Rick Simmons(Karen) of Chico, Ca, and her sister Janet Simmons of Oroville, Ca

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday August, 18th, 2025, 10:30 am at Ramsey Funeral Home 1175 Robinson St Oroville, CA

https://ramseyfuneralhomes.com/tribute/details/5513/Susan-Boone/obituary.html -start

12/24/2024

Marty P Kent
1956 - 2024

12/20/2024

Poem by Donna Ashworth in her book "Loss"