Empire Mortuary Services

12/07/2025

Obituary For Kathleen A. Rippey
We grieve the passing of our extraordinary friend, Kathy Rippey, in Willits, California on November 27th. She was one of those exceptional humans you feel privileged to know.
Rippey (as most knew her) leaves behind her niece, Kristine Storti of Phoenix, brother-in-law Rob Still of Milwaukee, and her beloved cat Ry Cooder. She is also survived by countless friends made through a life richly lived in Wisconsin, New Orleans and California. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Jeannette Rippey, and sister Pamela Still.
Rippey’s life was interwoven with music and it’s world, starting with working in her father’s Waukesha music store growing up. Along the way she did other jobs like paralegal, grant writing and other work, but made sure to always keep a hand in the music world.
Eventually she realized her dream of moving to New Orleans, which became her beloved adopted home. While there, she proudly worked and wrote for Offbeat Magazine, the preeminent source of New Orleans music culture and business. She remained a life-long advocate of all things NO’s music. After being blown out of the city by Hurricane Katrina, she found a new home with old friends in northern California.
She was an avid reader and a dedicated follower of community issues wherever she lived. In Willits, she found a music home at a satellite station of KZYX, Mendocino County’s public radio station. There she had her own New Orlean’s music show, “Get On Up” and was also most recently deeply involved with fundraising and other work for the expansion of the station network’s home.
Rippey was a fierce advocate for fairness, equality and justice and remained politically minded to the end. When she could no longer hit the streets, she instead stayed involved by signing every online petition that mirrored her beliefs, and speaking her truth to all who would listen.

Her spirit and heart will forever spark us who knew her.

Celebrations of Life are planned for both Milwaukee, WI and Willits, CA in 2026, time
and place to be announced. Please email rippeyscelebration@gmail.com if you would
like to be notified when details of the life celebration(s) are available.

In lieu of flowers, donations to support her beloved KZYX’s building project would be
appreciated https://www.kzyxbuildingfund.org/
or to her beloved NO’s music home, Offbeat Magazine https://www.offbeat.com/

From stardust we come. To stardust we return.

11/20/2025

Obituary For George Charles McCoy
Today we honor a man who spent his years showing the world what strength, sacrifice, and love truly look like.

George Charles McCoy was born on August 3, 1938, in Sonoma County to George Nichols McCoy and Marcelena “Lena Olga” Giacopazzi. He was the second of eight children. He maintained meaningful ties to Minnesota, as well as to Sonoma, Lake, and Mendocino Counties, before ultimately making Ukiah, CA, his home for the remainder of his adult life.

Life was not easy for George in the beginning. Despite every challenge, he stepped into responsibility long before most children even understand it. He never complained—he simply did what needed to be done. Through hard work, grit, and determination, he built a life he was proud of. He succeeded not because anything was handed to him, but because he refused to give up. He worked hard his entire life, not for recognition, but to provide for the people he loved.

George passed away on November 12, 2025, surrounded by family who loved him deeply.

Viewing and final goodbyes for Mr. McCoy will be held at Empire Mortuary in Ukiah, CA, on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 1–4 PM.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Georgia McCoy; his children, Robert McCoy and Stephanie McCoy Clark; and his grandchildren, Mya McCoy, Megan McCoy Clark Fletes, Jayce Clark, and Colton Clark. He is also survived by his brothers James McCoy and Ira McCoy; his niece Lisa Hill; his nephews Bobby McCoy and Alan McCoy; and his lifelong friend and family member Alan Goodman.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Toni McCoy; his brother, Bob McCoy; his parents; and many other beloved family members.

May we honor his memory by living with the same strength, loyalty, and love that he showed every day of his life.

11/17/2025

On this day of thanks, may you find comfort in the love of family and friends

11/14/2025

Obituary For Gino Porzio

On Saturday, November 8, 2025, Gino Porzio passed peacefully into the next life at 82 years. Gino was born on October 14, 1943, in Ukiah, California. He was raised by his loving father Luigi (1891-1956) and mother, Gina (1899-1987), alongside his sister Rosalie Montgomery (1921-1997), Luisa (1923-1926), and brother Frank Porzio on Porzio Lane in Ukiah.

Gino was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 49 years, Frances “Diane” Porzio, who passed on July 20, 2020. He is survived by his four sons: Ryan (Gay), Kevin (Desiree), Scott, and Shane.

Gino was a proud native of Ukiah. In his early years, he worked at the Palace Hotel, rode his Vespa through town, and longed for Diane while she was away at Rio Lindo Adventist Academy. On weekends, he would ride out to visit her or take scenic drives to the coast—small adventures that reflected his deep devotion.

Gino and Diane were married in July 1973. While working as an electrician for B&F Electric, they purchased a small home, big backyard, where they raised their four boys. Family was everything to Gino. He took them camping every year in their trailer, cheered them on at countless BMX races, soccer, basketball, and football games, and even coached baseball for several seasons.

In 1990, Gino took on a unique project—purchasing the historic Bittenbender house for just one dollar. He removed the roof and interior walls and relocated the structure to 211 South Spring Street, where it found new life. This endeavor was a testament to his resourcefulness and determination.

Gino loved his family deeply, and he had a special place in his heart for all of his dogs. He was a man of quiet strength, unwavering loyalty, and gentle humor. His legacy lives on in the lives of his children, the memories he created, and the values he instilled.

He will be remembered for his kindness, his craftsmanship, and the love he gave so freely.

May he rest in peace, reunited with Diane, and forever cherished in our hearts.

SERVICE will be held at the Empire Mortuary on November 22, 2025, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.

11/05/2025

Honoring the courageous men and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting our freedom. Happy Veterans Day!

09/01/2025

07/24/2025

We are here to support you through life's most challenging moments.

07/10/2025

Obituary For Dan Wayne Holbrook
Dan Holbrook was born in 1945 in rural Idaho, where ranching ran deep on both sides of his family. He began his education in a one-room schoolhouse without indoor plumbing, a feature that wasn’t added until he was in sixth grade. His early years were marked by frequent moves, living on a dairy farm, a chicken farm, and later on land farmed by draft horses in northeast Washington, before eventually settling near Portland.

During his high school years, Dan developed a lifelong passion for athletics. He competed in wrestling, tennis, and cross-country, and found joy in mountain climbing, skiing, and biking—activities that remained essential to his physical and mental well-being throughout his life.

Dan attended Oregon State University, where he majored in Forestry. To pay for his education, he worked summers as a logger and during the school year at a plywood mill and as a bus driver. He graduated in 1969 with a degree in science education and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He went on to serve as a helicopter pilot and maintenance officer in Vietnam. After his military service, he settled in an artistic mining town in Arizona, where he bought a $2,500 home and lived simply, exploring desert canyons and medicinal herbs, while taking hitchhiking trips across the U.S. and Canada.

Five years later, Dan and a friend purchased 40 acres of land in rural Mendocino County and built an off-grid home using hand tools—including digging and casing a well. The property near Round Valley remains in the family and is now enjoyed by his children and grandchildren. During this time, Dan also began his 32-year teaching career in the Covelo schools.

In 1978, Dan met Charlene, and they began a partnership that would span 45 years. Together, they raised their daughters, Ruth and Lia. In 1990, the family moved abroad to teach at international schools, which took them to the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia. They traveled widely, exploring Europe in a VW camper, skiing the Alps, snorkeling in the Red Sea, driving through Turkey and Greece, and hiking through Asian rainforests. After nine years overseas, they returned to California and settled in Ukiah, where they put down deep roots.

In retirement, Dan and Charlene continued their travels, camping and hiking through national and state parks in their 13-foot Scamp trailer. Dan, ever curious, deepened his lifelong interests in geology, archaeology, and anthropology.

At the age of 79, Dan was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Though this marked the end of his traveling adventures, he faced the diagnosis with introspection and embraced the quietude of his final months. Surrounded by Charlene, Ruth, and Lia, Dan passed peacefully at home.

The Holbrook family extends its heartfelt thanks to Adventist Health Ukiah Valley, the Veteran’s Administration, UCSF Hospital, Hospice of Ukiah, and the California End of Life Option Act.

07/02/2025

Obituary For Tim E. Martin
Our beloved Tim Martin passed on June 16, 2025, at age 73. Tim left his earthly body to join his late son Joshua Todd after a short courageous battle with cancer. He passed peacefully at home with his family at his side.

Tim is survived by his cherished wife of 51 years Pat Meek (Patter) and son Luke Martinand daughter-in-law Shirin. He was Poppa to granddaughters Emma Martin and Chloe Miles and to great grandsons Easton Martin and Parker Miles, and brother to Paula Martin and John Martin. Tim was a much-loved uncle, godfather, and friend.

Tim was a well-respected contractor, and his imprint is on countless homes and commercial properties in Mendocino County. He especially loved Craftsmen architecture; the last home he built for his family is a testament to this style and his craftsmanship.

In his retirement years Tim became a gifted gardener and spent many hours tending his
garden. His family and friends all benefitted as he shared his harvest of veggies, fruit, melons, and berries. The biggest fans of Poppa’s strawberries are his great grandsons Easton and Parker who he adored.

Though Tim may no longer walk beside us, his presence remains in our stories, our laughter, and our hearts.

Memorial donations can be made:
Cancer Resource Centers of Mendocino County, crcmendocino.org
Plowshares Community Dining Room, plowsharesfeeds.org

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

07/02/2025

Obituary For Justin L. Coursey
Justin died with his beloved wife and sons at his side. In life, Justin blended a fierce devotion to his family and friends with an unshakable commitment to his principles. His greatest joy was raising his sons. He taught them by example to be who they are, to put loved ones at the center of their lives, and to do their best at whatever they took on. His friends will remember his quiet, cutting wit that made him the most fun person to sit next to at any function. They will also tell you that if they needed something, anything really, he could be depended on to come through. Those who had the privilege of working with him will remember how he put his students first, ignoring the rules when necessary.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, his sons, parents, brother and so many others who loved him dearly.

07/02/2025

Obituary For Joe Wayne Waggoner
Joseph Wayne Waggoner was born December 16th, 1958 in Ukiah and made his way to heaven on June 5th, 2025.

Joe grew up in Anderson Valley where he was a well liked and well known community member. He was one of 12 siblings and had endless stories of growing up in such a large family. He often talked of the many laughs shared with friends and family while sitting in front of the Rossi home where the Waggoner's’ lived and made memories for over 30 years.

Joe was well known for his love of everything “Hollywood.” An avid movie buff and the family historian, sharing stories of his family traveling from Arkansas to Boonville in search of a better life. Joe had an unforgettable memory for events such as birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries for everyone in the family.

Joe worked for Anderson Valley School District where he took great pride in keeping the school and offices maintained for 25 years. He was a huge supporter of AV sporting events and loved watching his great nieces and nephews play. Joe’s love for his family will never be forgotten.

Joe was preceded to heaven by his parents, Ern and Catherine Waggoner, his siblings, Timothy, Gary, Ruth, Pete, Judy, Rosalee, and nephews, Bobby Dean and Jake. He leaves behind siblings, Gale, Gene, Ted, Mick and Steve. Nieces and nephews, Yvonne, Guy, Lisa, Cardale, Daisy, Tyler, Tiffany and Jessica, plus 23 great nieces and nephews.

Joe will be laid to rest next to his parents at the Evergreen Cemetery in Boonville.