Fink Funeral Home

02/25/2026

Jeffery Dean Bidwell
July 27, 1952 - February 8th
, 2026
Jeff Bidwell was born July 27, 1952 in Bieber, CA to Gene and Merldean Bidwell. He
was born on a Sunday morning and his mom loved to tell the story that the church bells
were ringing when he was born.
Jeff was the second of Gene and Merldean’s five children. Greg – 3 years older,
Jennifer – 3 years younger, and then there was Sarah – some 20 years younger. David
joined the crew in 1974 and was 13 years younger. Jeff grew up with a keen sense of
family, friends and community. Jeff also bonded with his grandpas, dad, brothers,
cousins, and close friends over their shared love for hunting. Whether it was deer
hunting, elk hunting, or bird hunting, Jeff loved it all.
Jeff proudly graduated from Big Valley High School in 1970. While in high school Jeff
participated in FFA, football, basketball, and baseball. Baseball was his favorite and his
love for the Giants and for baseball never waivered.
After graduating from high school in 1970, Jeff attended College of the Siskiyous and
received his AA degree in Forestry. He worked at Clear Pine Products during the
summers and after graduating he went to work at Main Industries, later called Big Valley
Lumber Company.
Jeff found his true love, Marsha Lynn Elzea, hiding out just 12 miles away in Adin. They
married June 23, 1973. Shortly after being married, they became members of Grace
Bible Church of Bieber. It was at this time that Jeff began his role as the song leader for
Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday evening church services. His
involvement quickly expanded into leading Youth Group gatherings and teaching
Sunday School classes. In years following, Jeff also became a member of the church
board and in May of 1997 he was ordained as a pastor and became the Associate
Pastor alongside Kent House.
In March of 1976, Jeff and Marsha welcomed their daughter, Erin. She quickly became
the apple of her daddy’s eye. They expanded their family exactly 3 years later to the day
in 1979 by adding a son, Vance. Jeff could not have been more excited to have added a
new ball player to the mix. Several years later, they added a “Bonus Baby”, Christjan, in
May of 1989. He too thrilled his dad by having the same passion, love, and talent for all
sports, especially baseball.
In 1990 Jeff began his career in the fuel business where he worked for Harbert Oil and
Ed Staub and Sons Petroleum for over 20 years. It was during these years where Jeff
felt he was really able to combine his work with his passion for meeting and serving
people.
In November of 2014, Jeff suffered a stroke that ended his working years. However,
this did not diminish his desire to still be involved with his family, friends, and
community.
Just as Jeff had entered this world on a Sunday, he parted this world to go be with
Jesus on Sunday, February 8th
, 2026.
He leaves behind:
Wife – Marsha
Children – Erin (Todd); Vance (Katie); Christjan
Grandchildren – Tanner; Braedyn, Dean, Evan, Kysen
Siblings – Greg, Jennifer (Mike), David (Kelly), Sarah (Tim)
Many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, extended family, and many, many
friends
A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 11:00 am at the Big
Valley High School Gymnasium in Bieber, CA. A reception will follow at the Veterans
Memorial Hall in Bieber

02/23/2026

Monty Westley Bates

Born September 30, 1930
Passed through the veil February 20, 2026

Monty is survived by his six children Marylee Shelly, David Bates, Timothy Bates, Paul Bates, Allison Rice, April Nickolsi. His sister Jean Oliver. Monty had many grandkids, great grandkids,and great great grandkids. At last count I believe the number was at 118 but there could be more now. WAY TO GO MOM AND DAD! Monty was proceeded in death by his wife Janene Bates and his sisters Dorthy McKinnon, Betty Poulson, Leona Baldwin, and Larue Culp.

Monty was born in Hamar Idaho and was the son of David Westley Bates, and Ethel Mary (Siepert) Bates. The Bates Family moved from Idaho to Westwood in 1939 to obtain work as the World was still recovering from the great depression. Then moved to Susanville in 1940. Where Monty spent his entire life .He held many jobs in the area. Working as a garbage route driver as a teenager when his father had bought the route for !,000$. Then he worked as a clerk for Royal Grocery. Monty then worked for Morning Glory Dairy doing varios jobs truck driver mechanic load trucks generally anything that needed done job titles were optional in those days. Finally as the retail route driver for the Susanville area.YEP he was the Milkman. From there he went to work for Sierra Pacific Industries in the power house. Monty always thought that the mill treated their employees well and liked working there . In 1978 Monty decided to start a construction business and bought a lot on Small street tore down the old house and built a new one. He built many houses in the area as well as some commercial projects. He then returned to the sawmill where he ran a construction crew until he retired. Monty was a devout believer in the Lord. A devoted member of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints. Where he served as Bishop of the Susanville Ward from 1968 through 1973. He and Janene also served a mission in Iowa. Where he learned how to grow corn. He would plant a crop every year just to feed the entire church corn. He was a proud gardener! Monty was called to be a Patriarch for the church in 1995. Monty was very faithful and cared deeply for those around him. Anyone in need would see him at hand ready to help at a moments notice always with a smile and a song in his heart. One of his favorites was the Lord has need of willing hands. Services for Monty will be this Saturday at the Mountain Valley Ward Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at eleven AM located in Standish on highway 395.

02/15/2026

Barry Ross Walter Sr. passed away on January 28, 2026, at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, music, and dedication to family.
He was born on October 30, 1953, in Culver City, California, to Ross D. Walter and Mary M. Walter (Waters), joining his older sister, Rosemary. When his father was transferred to Blythe as a patrolman with the California Highway Patrol, the family relocated there. Blythe is where Barry attended school and graduated from Palo Verde Valley High School in 1971.
Barry began working in the restaurant industry at just 16 years old. After graduating, he worked his way into management, relocating to communities in Oklahoma and throughout California including Blythe, Riverside, Redding, and Yreka. In his early adult years Barry was married to Rhonda Walter, and together they welcomed three children. In December 1985, Barry and his family permanently settled in Susanville, California, to manage TJ’s Gold Rush Pizza.
Drawing on his years of management experience, Barry completed his associate’s degree and began his career with the California Department of Corrections in April 1990 as a Correctional Supervising Cook. He dedicated 28 years of service before retiring in 2018 as the Supervising Correctional Cook for the California Correctional Center’s fire camp.
In 1993, Barry met Tammy (Meanor), and they were married in May 1999. Together they blended their families, as Barry welcomed her four children into his life and adopted her two youngest as his own. Though their marriage, like many, had its seasons, they shared many years together and built a large and lasting family. Tammy passed away in July 2019.
Barry held a special love for Disneyland and made sure each of his children had the chance to experience the magic of that place at least once, creating memories that will carry forward for generations. He and Tammy became Grandma and Papa in 2002 and went on to welcome many more grandchildren in the years that followed.
Music was one of Barry’s lifelong passions. He began playing in high school and continued throughout his adult life. Though he could play several instruments, the bass guitar became his signature. He performed with several local Susanville bands, including The Main Street Band, The Tennessee Whiskey Band, and Timeless sharing his love of music with the community.
Even after retirement, Barry stayed active, working for several years at Walmart to keep busy. In his later years, he enjoyed fixing and tinkering around his home, spending time with friends at Diamond Mountain Casino, and beginning a new chapter in his retirement community in Reno, Nevada.
Barry is survived by his seven children: Erica; Victoria (Vicky); Barry Jr.; Lee; Jason; Jessica and her husband James; and Joseph (Joey) and his wife Andrea. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
His presence, his music, and the memories he created will remain with those who knew and loved him.
Services will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 65 S. Lassen St, Susanville, CA at 11:00am. Reception and gravesite service to follow.

02/12/2026

Ethel Viola Wilson went home to be with the Lord February 7, 2026. She was born in Janesville, California November 19, 1938. She is preceded in death by her husband Harvey Wilson, she is survived by her 3 children, 7 grand children and numerous great grand children. She requested we not have a service for her which will be honored.

02/04/2026

Billy Lee Haley age 97 o f Susanville, California passed away peacefully on February first, 2026. At his request,
No services will be held

02/04/2026

Betty Erwin went home to be with the Lord on January 31, 2026, with her children and family by her side. She was born in Susanville, California on December 24, 1941, the fifth of 11 children to Henry and Delia Jones. She graduated from Lassen High School, which she proudly accomplished in 1959.
On January 23, 1960, she married the love of her life, Arthur Erwin, and together they raised six children. Betty was a devoted wife and a loving mother. She drove the school bus for over 25 years, and after retiring, she continued to help the family’s construction company, “ACE Communications.”
Betty was an active member of Lighthouse Baptist Church; she loved the Lord with her whole heart and often shared her faith with family and friends. She lived her life as a quiet but continual sermon of Christ’s love through kindness, service, and faithfulness – and yes, sometimes with a little fire and brimstone, when it was needed. She believed in doing what was right, standing firm in her faith, and loving people deeply. She was strong, independent, and very much an “I’ll do it myself” kind of woman who faced life head on with grit and grace.
Betty enjoyed traveling, gardening, and planting flowers, but most of all, she cherished time spent with her family. She taught them by example how to pray, how to serve, how to persevere, and how to trust God through every season of life.
Betty was a blessing to all who knew her and leaves a legacy of faith and family that will continue for generations, she will be deeply missed. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Erwin, her parents Henry and Delia Jones, her two brothers Newman Jones and Roger Jones, and her sister Billie Sears. She is survived by her six children, 11 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren.
Graveside service will be held, Thursday, February 12, 2026 at Diamond Crest Cemetery at 1:00pm. Celebration of Life will be immediately following at Lighthouse Baptist Church, 1545 Cornell Street, Susanville, CA.

02/03/2026

02/03/2026

Richard Earl Parker, also known as Dick Parker

May 21, 1950-January 11, 2026

It is with a very heavy heart that we announce the passing of Richard “Dick” Parker, 75. He went to Heaven peacefully at St. Mary’s Hospital in Reno surrounded by his wife and family on January 11, 2026.

Dick was born at Potter’s Nursing Home in Susanville California on May 21, 1950 to Charlie and Frances Parker. Through his life he continued to be an avid outdoors man who loved to hunt, fish, and shoot guns. Often as a young boy, he would take off for the day with his BB gun, cousins and friends, and spend his day outdoors hunting. His Dad built a cabin at Eagle Lake, Ca when Dick was a kid and many happy times were spent there fishing, boating, skiing, and swimming with family and friends. Charlie Parker owned the Foremost Milk delivery in Lassen County and throughout high school Dick helped in the milk home delivery business. The business motto being “Milk delivered to your door for the same price as the store”.

Dick graduated from Lassen Union High School in 1968 where he was involved in athletics, a Letterman, sang in the choir, and considered a popular guy with a strong outgoing personality. He then attended American River College and Sacramento State University for his BA degree. He worked his way through college while supporting a family with two children. After graduation, he returned to Susanville and bought his Dad’s Foremost Milk Distributorship. He added ice delivery to the business and ran the company until1986 when he sold the business.

Dick then changed the course of his career to an insurance broker in 1987. During his career he worked as a agent for New Your Life and then a broker for Murray and Edwards Insurance in Susanville, before opening his own office as Integrated Insurance Broker (IIB) in Steve Pezzullo’s CPA office. His goal throughout his career was to give his clients, who he thought of as friends, his best on their behalf. He retired in 2019 after a long successful career.

Dick was very active in his community that he loved. Throughout the years, he served on various boards to include the Chamber of Commerce, Hospital board in Susanville, Lassen County Fair. He was also active with the Rotary Club, Ducks Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Elks, Pheasants Forever, Mule Deer Association, NRA, and Elks Club.

In addition to his community work, he was a true Patriot. He was proud to be an American and honored the American flag and what it represents - Love for God, Family, and Country. He was part of the Republican Central Committee for many years and never missed his opportunity to exercise his right to vote. He was also proud of his heritage and family history in Lassen County going back to the Leavitt’s on his mother’s side.

Dick and Rocky Parker married in 1990 at the Assembly of God Church in Susanville and had a grand reception at the Elks Lodge. On March 24, 2025 they celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary. He was always a wonderful husband, partner, provider, and best friend for Rocky. What a love story!

Dick enjoyed music, singing, and dance. He was part of the Barbershop Quartet, musical theater productions in Susanville, and singing in church. He enjoyed all types of music, but his favorites were county and old gospel. His favorite actor was John Wayne and favorite Wayne movie was The Cowboys. He respected the cowboy way of life. He had rancher cowboy friends that he would lend a hand with their cutting, branding, and doctoring. He received the handle of Dr. Dick for this participation. He enjoyed sleeping out under the stars, chuck wagon food, camp fires, tall tales, and, good whiskey with friends! One of his favorite sayings was “Shoot low Sherriff, he’s riding a Shetland. This always got a laugh and Dick loved to make people laugh.

His sense of humor touched the hearts of many. Many of his friends thought of him as a gentle giant. People trusted and confided in him. His friendliness and sense of humor was like a magnet drawing people in. He treated people, even those he just met, as friends.

Hunting and guns were also his passions. When hunting season came around, he would travel for deer and elk as far as Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska, when not hunting in Lassen County. Dove, pheasant, and duck season were also on his hunt list. He loved “Buck Camp” with his hunting buddies and could tell some great stories about their hunting adventures!

Dick is survived by his beloved wife, Rocky Parker, with whom he enjoyed many years of love and laughter. He is also survived by his son Rich Parker and his wife Anne Parker and two grandchildren Aurora and Alayna Parker; his brother Rob Parker and wife Betty; sister Charlene Parker and husband Warren; nieces and nephews, Sarah Sharp, Megan Herrera, Jon Parker, and Ted Parker; several grand nieces, a nephew, and many cousins. He was proceeded in death by his parents Charlie and Frances Parker.

Richard “Dick” Parker lived his life his way with love in his heart for his Lord, family, and friends. He worked hard to make the world a better place with his belief that all things are possible if you tried hard enough to make it happen. His passing leaves a big hole in the hearts and lives of so many. May Dick rest in eternal peace and may those who love him find comfort in the memories he leaves behind. He is sorely missed and will be remembered as a great man and friend.

His Memorial Service will be held on February 20, 2026 at 2pm at Finks Funeral Home, 115 S. Lassen Street in Susanville. A reception will be held directly after at the Monticola Club, 140 S. Lassen Street in Susanville.

01/29/2026

Edith (Babe) Louise Summers, 98, resident of Lassen County, California, passed away on January 24, 2026, in Susanville. Born January 1, 1928, Edith was the sixth child of Gustav and Ottilia Wagner. She married her love Fred Summers on October 23, 1948, and they were married until Fred’s passing in 1990. Edith took such pride in being a lifelong Lassen County resident. She graduated Lassen High school in 1946 and loved being an Alumni member, always attending the annual picnic. There were two things that Edith was probably best known for: being a school bus driver for 32 years and her homemade sauerkraut that she would sell through the Lutheran Church every year.
Edith loved being a part of the local community. She was passionate about local history and volunteered as a docent and a board member at the Lassen Historical Museum for over 30 years. She participated for many years in 3rd grade day for our local students, teaching them about the pioneer days. She also enjoyed participating in Jolly Elders in Janesville, and was a founding member of the Lassen County Sewing Circle. Edith also loved crafting, crocheting, sewing and reading.
Fred and Edith built their forever home in Standish where she resided on her own after his passing until she was 92. They had four children together, two girls that both died shortly after childbirth and two sons.
After Fred’s passing, Edith took the opportunity to live life to its fullest. She traveled for years with her friends and even made a trip to China with her eldest son Robert. Nothing could slow her down; she was a fiercely independent and stubborn woman which she took great pride in. Her faith was an important part of her life and she was an active member of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Edith spent the last few years of her life living at Eagle Lake Village Assisted Living Facility, where she truly loved all the care partners that took care of her. She would always say, “I think I’m their favorite.”
Edith is preceded in death by her parents Gustav (Pop) and Ottilia (Mimi) Wagner; her brothers Al, Ed, Herb, Harold, and sister Elda; her husband Fred Summers and her two infant girls. She is survived by her sons Daryl (Nancy) Summers, Robert (Vivian) Summers, her grandchildren Laura (Justin) Kraft, Eric Summers, Diana Summers, and Benjamin Summers. Services will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 105 Ash St., Susanville at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a local church or charity in Edith’s name.

01/29/2026

Charles “Chuck” Benson Downs II, age 62, born on October 19, 1963, in Inglewood, California, passed away on January 20, 2026, in Susanville, California. Chuck lived a life filled with deep friendships and unconditional love. He was a well-known face in the community as the owner of both Subway locations in Susanville for over a decade. His dedication to his work and his friendly nature earned him the affectionate nickname, “Mr. Subway.”

Chuck was a man of quick wit and infectious humor, with an extraordinary ability to turn strangers into friends. While he took pride in his professional accomplishments, his greatest joy was his family. Whether he was camping, riding quads and jet skis, or playing board games, Chuck was happiest when surrounded by those he loved.

Faith played an important role in Chuck’s later years. Though he always believed in God and that Jesus was his savior, it wasn’t until several years ago that he found a spiritual home when he joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints alongside his wife, Sheri. His church community became an extension of his family-one that will deeply feel his absence but take comfort in the knowledge of reunion.

Chuck’s legacy of kindness and generosity lives on through the many lives he touched.
He is survived by:
• His beloved wife, Sheri Downs
• His oldest daughter and son-in-law, Janelle & Nick Perez and their children, Grayson & Josie
• His youngest daughter, Kayla Downs
• His mother, Beverly Craigle
• His sister and brother-in-law, Laura & Greg Shelton, and their children, Kyra & Carter
• Nieces and nephew, Stacey, Tracy, Savannah, and Ross
• His in-laws, Janice Merkley, Alan & Celeste Cross, Julie Featherson & family, and James Cross & family.
He also leaves behind many dear friends who were like family, including Stephen & Shannon Miller, Ron & KC Smith, Gray & Michelle Tisdale, and Jake & Jessica Larson.
Chuck was preceded in death by his father, Charles Downs Sr., and his brother, Steve Downs, along with several beloved aunts, uncles, and grandparents.

A celebration of Chuck’s life will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 1:00 PM at:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 718-045 US-395, Standish, CA.
Light refreshments will be served following the service. All friends, family, and community members are welcome to attend. In honor of Chuck’s vibrant spirit, the family kindly requests that guests wear shades of blue—his favorite color—rather than traditional black attire.