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Fink Funeral Home, 115 S. Lassen Street, Susanville, CA (2026)

03/22/2026

Rhonda Jo Templeton Obituary
Rhonda Jo Templeton, 73, of Susanville, CA, passed away on February 4, 2026 in her
home with her loyal husband Vern by her side.
Born on July 2, 1952 to Paul and Joann Simpson in Oakdale, CA, Rhonda was the
oldest of five siblings: Rachelle, Rebecca, Beaver, and Scott. The Simpsons moved to
Susanville in 1959 and quickly settled into small town living. Rhonda attended local schools and
was a graduate of the Lassen High School class of 1970.
Rhonda married her high school sweetheart Vern Templeton and they started their family
with the birth of Shelley, followed by Casey a couple of years later. Alison Kate completed the
family with her arrival in 1985.
As a young mother, Rhonda took many classes at Lassen Community College, including
stained glass, cake decorating, and tennis, but the majority of her studies were in Early
Childhood Education. This was where her knowledge of Children's Literature flourished under
the direction of mentor Lea Woods.
Rhonda was employed at the Susanville School District, working as a teacher’s assistant
and librarian at McKinley and Meadowview schools for over 25 years. She was known for her
love of books and reading and could hook even the most reluctant reader with the perfect pick.
Rhonda created an encouraging and safe space in the library for both students and staff.
Hundreds of Kindergarten through Sixth grade students were entranced weekly by her
specially chosen books and engaging reading voice. Rhonda loved planning the yearly book
fairs, arranging author visits, and creating elaborate displays and decor to go along with the
monthly featured stories. She was also instrumental in planning Harry Potter release parties at
Margie’s Book Nook throughout the early 2000s when each novel hit the shelves.
Rhonda enjoyed crafting, painting, cooking, collecting, and watching sports. She was an
avid San Francisco 49ers and Giants fan, but her favorite teams were the ones her
grandchildren played on.
Her family dinners and celebrations were legendary, with extensive menus and dishes
made from scratch. She was a founding member of Susanville’s Doll Club and was also
involved in Beta Sigma Phi, Cub Scouts, and Campfire Girls.
Throughout her children’s lives, Rhonda encouraged them to follow their passions,
whether it was art, dance, sports, or BMX racing. She often took them to cultural events like
concerts, musicals, plays, and the ballet to expand their horizons and to show them what life
was like outside of Susanville.
Rhonda cultivated a love of music and learned to play the piano and guitar at a young
age. Her favorite band was The Beatles, but she loved The Beach Boys, Bon Jovi, ABBA, and
basically any genre except Country.
In addition to her parents, Rhonda was preceded in death by sister Rachelle and
brothers Beaver and Scott.
Rhonda is survived by her husband of over 56 years Vern, children Shelley (Leo)
Bennett, Casey Templeton, and Alison Templeton; grandchildren Ash Templeton; Jacob,
Landon, and Sofia Bennett.
A celebration of Rhonda’s full and wonderful life will be held on Sunday June 14, 2026,
1:00 at Sentimental Journey. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Friends of the
Library (1618 Main Street Susanville, CA 96130) or the Lassen High School Alumni Association
(P.O. Box 471 Susanville, CA 96130).
To honor Rhonda’s memory, pick up a good book and read it

03/20/2026

ames E Gorby Jr
James, aka Jim, Age 74 passed away peacefully on March 14th, 2026, in Susanville CA following an extended illness.
Born March 13th, 1952, to parents Anna Mae (Gilbert) Gorby and James E Gorby Sr in Cochranton Pa where he grew up on the family farm with his siblings David, Betty, Mary, Nancy and Larry. He married Ruth A (Meadors) Gorby, December 29th 1987, she survives.
A modest man with a quirky sense of humor Jim kept everyone on their toes with his antics, always bringing smiles and fun in every interaction with him. He loved farming, raising animals, growing lavish gardens, and in his downtime could usually be found fishing or at a racetrack where he enjoyed dirt track racing and sprint cars. He was very creative and made folk-art like treasures out of many surprising and unique items and enjoyed building model cars/trucks that he would add many of his own creative details to making them even more realistic. He loved to cook and have big gatherings and was always helping those in need. He would give his last dollar to make sure someone wasn’t going without. His talents were many, able to build or repair anything. Upon retiring from Channellock and relocating to Herlong California he remodeled a building being used as a chicken coop into a beautiful home with custom woodwork throughout. Recently he discovered that an old barn back in PA, that he built, was still standing and in great shape after almost 40 years, he grinned and said “Well I guess I didn’t do to bad then.”
Above all he loved his family and was the happiest when they could be together.
In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by a large family and numerous friends that are like family. He touched many lives and will be missed by all who knew him. His beloved children will miss him the most; his daughter Joetta (Ted) Flinn of Meadville PA, and his sons Jamison Gorby of Sacramento CA, and Ryan (Jenny) Gorby of Punxsutawney PA. Although many have called him Papa, his grandsons AJ (Brittiany), Kevin (Chelsea), and Shaun (Kayla) Catalano and their children Alexis, Harlie, Seth, Ashlynn, London, Logyn, Addyson, Brooklynn and Waylon Catalano all of Meadville Pa were his pride and joy. He is also survived by sisters Mary Mosher, Nancy Unger, a brother Larry (Robin) Gorby and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition, he had been a long-term resident at the Lassen Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Susanville CA where he considered many of the other residents and staff as his family. There aren’t enough words to express our gratitude to them for the way they cared for and loved on him during his final years.
Final arrangements are being entrusted to Fink Funeral Home of Susanville, CA
A celebration of life will be held, at a later date, in his home state of PA.

03/11/2026

On March 1, 2026 at 10:21 am Beatrice Marie (Barnetche) Price took her last breath leaving this world to be with her Lord and Savior. She suffered complications from a fall that she took February 26th that broke her hip. She had surgery February 27th to repair the injury sustained from the fall. The surgery was successful however she could not be stabilized post-surgery and was care flighted to Renown South, in Reno, Nevada, where she was placed into the intensive care unit. Beatrice’s final days were surrounded by family and friends expressing their love and saying their good-byes.
Beatrice was born May 25, 1938 to Bernard and Marguerite Barnetche in Susanville, California, she lived her life in Lassen County. She attended Lincoln School, McKinley School, Roosevelt School, and graduated from Lassen High School in 1956. She was a proud member of the Lassen High School Alumni Association. After graduating from high school, Beatrice attended Lassen College in the Fall of 1956.
In 1960 Beatrice took a summer position in the Lassen County Treasurer/Tax Collector’s Office. She was soon encouraged to apply for a permanent position by her boss C.D. Mathews, she applied for and received the position. Thanksgiving of 1960 C.D. Mathews suffered a heart attack and passed away. In mid-January of 1961 Beatrice was appointed the Treasurer/Tax Collector of Lassen County by the Lassen County Board of Supervisors. At 22 years of age, she was the youngest county treasurer in the history of California. She served as the President of the California State Treasurer/Tax Collectors Association in 1977-1978. She held the position as Lassen County Treasurer/Tax Collector until her retirement, July 4, 1999.
On September 14, 1963, she married Ronald Farwell, the couple had two sons, Steven and Kevin.
She married Bud Price October 25, 1981, the two enjoyed a wonderful marriage until her passing.
Beatrice had many interests, she was especially proud of her Basque heritage, she was instrumental in the formation of the Susanville Basque Club, she was an active member serving as the club’s president as well as numerous club offices. Her biggest interests and joy were her family, her house was full of pictures of those she loved.
Beatrice is survived by her husband Bud Price; two sons Steven Farwell and Kevin Farwell; her sister Marguerite Weir; her brother Bernard Barnetche; step-daughter and son-in-law Shannon and Giz Polan; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.
Services are set for March 28, 2026, Rosary at 10:30, Mass at 11:00, the location is the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Susanville, California.

03/11/2026

wrote:

Norma Lee (Story) Stampfli
February 14, 1932 - February 26, 2026

Norma passed away in Reno on February 26th 2026, with her family by her side. She was born in Susanville at the Riverside Hospital on February 14th 1932. She spent her childhood years on a farm with her family in the Standish, Litchfield area. She and her brother Gerald, attended Soldier Bridge school, now called Shaffer. This school consisted of one room, one teacher and had grades one through eighth. Upon graduation, she entered Lassen High School graduating in 1949. She then entered Lassen Junior College graduating in 1951. While attending Lassen College she met her husband, George Stampfli. They were happily married for 74 years.
Norma was a housewife, and loving mother, who created a caring and loving home for her family. She was a member of Native Daughters Of The Golden West for over 50 years and a doscent at the local museum. She will be greatly missed by those who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Hal and Dorothy Story and her two brothers Harold and Gerald. She is survived by her son Bob, his wife Debbie and her daughter Karen, as well as her grandchildren, Patrick, Rudy, Nellie and her 5 great-grandchildren.

03/07/2026

Dennis Giuntini passed away peacefully at home on February 8, 2026 at the age of 86.

Dennis was born on December 3, 1939, in Arcata, California, to Ugo and Norma Giuntini. He spent his life building strong ties to family, friends,
community, and will be remembered for his warmth, kindness, and the many relationships he nurtured throughout his life.

A Funeral Mass honoring Dennis' life will be held on April 10th at 11:00 at Sacred Heart Church in Susanville. Reception following mass at Moran Hall. In Dennis' honor, donations may be made to Honey Lake Hospice. The volunteer team showed us care and compassion during this difficult time.

Dennis will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Dennis is survived by his life partner Marlene Darling, daughter Stephani Grace, granddaughter Olivia, Sister Lynn Raymond and husband John, niece Lisa Dickey, (Stuart), nephew Greg Raymond (Nadine) and their families. Bonus children and grandchildren, Eric, Charles, Cristi, Stephanie, Katie, Blake and four grandchildren, Tanner, Malerie, Mason and Brooke.

Dennis was known for his love of teaching, coaching sports and fishing. He was much loved by his students and staff. He attended Humboldt State where he received his teaching degree in Math and Science. In 1964, his first job was at Del Norte High School. Then moved down the coast to take a job at Richmond H.S. in addition to coaching football. During that time period he obtained his Master's Degree from San Francisco State with coursework done at the University of Washington, so he could fish. After several years at Richmond H.S. , he was lured to El Cerrito H.S. to take over the football program. He taught and coached there for seven years. In 1984, Dennis moved to Susanville to teach and coach at Lassen High School. After retiring, he was asked to come back and provide Vice-Principal duties. In addition to coaching varsity and JV football for 8 yrs. He also coached girls' softball for 17 yrs. and JV girls' basketball 5 years. Overall, Dennis (Mr. "G") spent fifty-eight yrs. teaching High School, Charter Schools and Substituting. In 2022, Dennis was so pleased to be honored as one of the Honoring Members to the Lassen High School Alumni Association. It was a very proud moment for him.

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.

02/05/2026

Obituary for Phyllis Marie Nuding Fromm
October 7, 1940 – January 22, 2026
In Loving Memory
Phyllis Marie Nuding Seifert Fromm passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026, at the age of 85. Born on October 7, 1940, in Stockton, California, she was the cherished only child of Ben and Betty Nuding. Phyllis graduated from Lodi Academy in 1958, and on June 7th of that same year, she married her first love, Gerald L. Seifert. Together, they raised two daughters, Cindy Harrison and Sandy Seifert Raffelson.
Phyllis built a career at Del Monte Cannery, dedicating many years of service before retiring in 1992. Following her retirement, she found love again and married Norbert Fromm. Phyllis and Norm shared many adventures together, owning homes in Eagle Lake, Janesville, and Long Barn, California, as well as in Chiloquin, Oregon. They found joy traveling in their motor home, always accompanied by their beloved pets.
Family meant the world to Phyllis. In July 2023, after being diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma and given two months to live, her greatest wish was to gather her daughters and their families together. This wish came true on her birthday, October 7, 2023, creating memories that would last a lifetime. With the love and support of her family, friends, and her faith in the Lord, Phyllis continued living independently for nearly three more years, cherishing every moment spent with those she loved.
Phyllis is survived by her daughter Cindy Harrison (husband Jim), and daughter Sandy Seifert Raffelson (husband Stace), and by her six grandchildren: James Harrison (wife Kasee), Morgan Jones (husband Michael), Stuart Harrison, Garrett Raffelson (wife Jessica), Trent Raffelson (wife Sara), and Matteya Morgan (husband James “Bo”). She was also blessed with ten great-grandchildren: Wyatt and Tucker Harrison; Zoey, Emberly, and Nora Harrison; Kinslee and Gracelyn Jones; Rhett and Carter Raffelson; and baby Morgan.
She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, her second husband Norbert, and several aunts and uncles.
A small family gathering to honor Phyllis’s life will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Diamond Crest Cemetery.
Donations may be made in Phyllis’s name to the Northern California Cancer Advocacy.
Phyllis’s life was a testament to resilience, faith, and the enduring power of love. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

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

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