F.D. Sweet and Son

11/07/2025

Obituary For Roger Lee Roberts
Roger Lee Roberts lived an amazing life. Roger was born November 10 th , 1946, in Chico, California
to George and Dorothy Roberts. He was raised in Willows with his siblings.

On July 29, 1967, Roger married the love of his life, Dianna Roberts (Moore). Subsequently, they
had three wonderful children, Steven, Traci and Tamara. Roger and Dianna remained in Glenn
County and have been married for 58 years.
He was a hard-working man, dedicated to his family, everything he did was for them. He proudly
served our nation as a U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant in the Vietnam War, demonstrating extraordinary
bravery in combat. Upon returning home, he continued his commitment to public service with a 30-
year career at the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office, serving as Deputy Sheriff and Sergeant before
being elected Glenn County Sheriff in 1978.

He was re-elected three additional times, serving four full terms-16 years – in office, and retired honorably on December 30, 1994. Even in retirement, he continued giving back to the community as a Willows Rural Fire District Board Member for many years. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, leadership, and unwavering service to the people of Glenn County.

He was a magnetic force, people gravitated towards him, and he accepted and loved them all. He
was compassionate, loving, caring, attentive and hilarious. He had the ability to tell you a story and
make you laugh and listen to them for hours. Roger loved riding horses (once he got the hang of it).
He and his best friend Del had about 30 heads of cattle, during branding time it was a family affair,
followed by a BBQ. He loved camping and every vacation, if possible, he would take his family
camping.

Roger is preceded in death by his parents, George and Dorothy Roberts and his sister-in-law Joy
Roberts. He is survived by his wife, Dianna Roberts. Son: Steven Roberts and daughter-in-law
Raeschel Roberts; daughter: Traci Roberts and significant other Todd Eickmeyer; daughter: Tamara
Shepherd and son-in-law Shayne Shepherd; his grandchildren: Adelina, Alecia, Austin, Mason,
Joseph, Mathew, Zeus and Gracie, and three great grandchildren. His siblings: Heloise Benson, Jack
Roberts and Dick Roberts & spouse Patty Roberts. His aunt: Dorthy Nerli. He is also survived
cousins and by his loving nieces and nephews.
Dad, we will miss you immensely. You were our rock when things got rough and our comfort when
we needed clarity. You were always someone we could count on. You always gave it 110% and never
stopped fighting for what’s right. Because of you we have the hearts of a lion, the love of our family,
and an insane work ethic. We thank you for all your support, wise words of advice, the love you gave
us and the beautiful lives we’ve lived because of you, your hard work, and your boundless love for us.
We are all better people, Dad, because of you. We will forever keep you in our hearts with God.

Celebration of Life will be held November 11, 2025, at the Thunderhill Racetrack, 5250 HWY 162,
from 11:00-2:00.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Judes at
http://fundraising.stjude.org/goto/RRoberts13

11/07/2025

Obituary For Jolene Ann Philp
In Loving Memory of Jolene Ann Philp
Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Friend, and Heart of Our Family
February 25, 1949 – October 23, 2025

With great sadness, we share that Jolene Ann Philp died peacefully at her home on October 23,
2025, at the age of 76.

Jolene was born in Gridley, CA, on February 25, 1949, to Leon and Ella Falsone. She graduated from Gridley High School in 1967 and continued her education in Business at Yuba College in Marysville, CA, where she studied for two years. She was of Catholic faith and lived her beliefs through compassion, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family, friends, and community.

On April 3, 1982, Jolene married the love of her life, Ray Philp. Their marriage of 43 years was a testament to enduring love, partnership, and mutual respect. After they were married, they welcomed their only child, Raelene, who became the light of their lives. Together, they built a life filled with laughter, warmth, and countless cherished memories.

Jolene dedicated 36 years of service to the United States Forest Service, where her work ethic and kindness left a lasting impact. She had a deep love for sports and was a passionate fan of the SF 49ers, Sac Kings, and SF Giants. She also loved gambling at the casino, where she enjoyed the excitement of a lucky streak and the thrill of the occasional win. She loved playing cards and games with family and friends, and going to lunch with her friends, treasuring the joy and
laughter those moments brought.

She was also a gifted chef and baker, known especially for her incredible Italian dishes that
brought comfort and joy to everyone who tasted them. Her kitchen was a place of love, laughter, and togetherness. Her love of family was a passion of hers, and she poured her heart into every moment spent with those she cherished.

Jolene is survived by her loving husband Ray of Willows, CA; her sister Carolyn (Al) Buendia of San Rafael, CA; her daughter Raelene Washington of Willows, CA; her beloved grandson Isaiah Washington of Willows, CA, whom she adored; her sister-in-law Donna Philp; her brother-in-law Darryl Philp (Lisa) of Laurens, IA; and all of her nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Leon and Ella Falsone, and numerous aunts, uncles, brothers-in-law, cousins, and dear friends.

A viewing will be held on November 5, 2025, at FD Sweet and Son Mortuary, 114 N Shasta St., Willows, CA, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m, Rosary at 6pm.

Tentatively: Catholic Mass Service will follow on November 6, 2025, at St. Monica's Parish, 1129 W Wood Street, Willows, CA, at 10 a.m., with a reception to follow.

Interment will be held on November 7, 2025, beginning at 10 a.m., at The Gridley-Biggs Cemetery, 2023 State Highway 99, Gridley, CA. The family would like to give special thanks to all the friends and relatives for their love, kindness, and support during this difficult time.

Though we mourn her passing, we find comfort in knowing that Jolene’s greatest passion was
fulfilled by the love of her family and friends. In her memory, we remain united—and we will
continue to love as she loved.

11/07/2025

Obituary For James Leroy Wycoff
James Leroy Wycoff, October 29, 1943-October 16, 2025
The world became a little less bright on October 16, 2025 with the passing of James “ Jim” “Jimmy” Leroy
Wycoff. Born on October 29, 1943 in Santa Rosa, California to Roy and Hildre "Billie" Wycoff.
Jim is survived by his wife Mary Lou of 61 years, sons Wayne (Ronda) Wycoff, Billy (Miranda)
Wycoff, loving grandchildren, Jamie (Josh), Kristin(Ty), Kyle(Lexy), Wade, Courtney, and great-
grandchildren, Madison, Jameson, Zoey, Jane, Lorelai, Lane, and Brody. Sister Lorraine (Jack) Lilly and
several surviving relatives and close acquaintances, which will deeply miss him. He is preceded in death
by his parents, Roy and Hildred Wycoff, and sister Beatrice (Otis) Harmon.
Jim moved to Stonyford from Willits, CA his junior year of high school where he met his loving wife,
Mary Lou, they married on May 16, 1964 and raised their two sons in Stonyford, CA. Jim worked for
various local ranchers and the Forest Service in Stonyford before taking a job with the County of Colusa
Public Works Department retiring after 27 years. Upon retirement he stayed busy running heavy
equipment helping his son with his construction company. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed
hunting and fishing. He found most enjoyment in the company of his family and friends.
Jim's kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for his family will never be forgotten, and his legacy will
forever be etched in our hearts.
The family will honor the life of their beloved privatel,without holding a public service or gathering.

11/05/2025

To our veterans: Your courage echoes through generations—happy Veterans Day and endless gratitude!

10/23/2025

Obituary For Rita Jane Rist
Rita Jane Rist passed away at Enloe Hospital on the evening of October 11, 2025 at the age of 87. Rita was born October 1, 1938. She was the daughter of Fredrick H Hayes and Phyllis C Hayes of Red Bluff, California. She was raised and schooled in Red Bluff California. After graduating from Red Bluff Union High School, she worked at Crocker Bank in Red Bluff. She met and later married Robert M. Rist on May 25, 1957. Soon, two children would come into Rita's life, Robert William and Laura Ann Rist. BOb joined the California Highway Patrol and after a brief stint in Hayward, California transferred to the Highway Patrol Office in Willows. In Willows, Rita worked as a teacher's aide at Murdock School and the County of Glenn in the Assessor's Office and Elections Department. Rita and Bob enjoyed traveling and cruising, going to many countries and islands. Together they enjoyed 68 years of married life.

Rita is survived by her loving husband Robert M Rist and her children Robert W Rist (Debra) of Chico California and Laura A Cassady ( Ralph) of Gridley California, Granddaughter Kathleen Rist and Greatgrandaughter Leia Rist of Chico.

Rita is preceded in death by her parents Fred and Phyllis and her brother Fred.

A Church Service will be held October 30, 2025 at 11:00 am at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Artois California. A reception and celebration of life will be held directly following the CHurch Service at St. Paul's fellowship Hall.

Interment will be held at a later date at Oak Hills Cemetery in Red Bluff, California.

In lieu of flowers consider, a donation to your favorite charity.

10/23/2025

Obituary For Cleo Nadine Mirande
Cleo Nadine (Weidner) Mirande---- 96 years old

Cleo Nadine Weidner Mirande was born June 25, 1929 to Bernard (Ben) Paul Weidner and Lydia Ruff Weidner,at their family farmhouse that her dad and maternal grandfather had built in Orland. She passed into thearms of Jesus on October 11, 2025 with family beside her in Willows, CA.

As a child on the farm, Cleo and her family raised chickens, cows, pigs, sheep and a number of cats and dogs. They always had a big garden along with a small orchard that produced walnuts and fruit. She helped with the canning of produce and rode on the back of the tractor to weigh it down.

She attended Orland schools and graduated in 1947. In April of her senior year, she was hired as a bookkeeper for Graham Brothers’ Grocery store and worked there for 4 ½ years. In April 1948, she was introduced to Rey Mirande by her childhood best friend, Carol (Leonard) Baugher, on a blind date to a skating rink. They were married October 8, 1949. They lived in Orland for 2 ½ years before moving into their “forever” home in Willows that her dad and Rey built. In that home they raised their 3 daughters. Cleo was involved in many activities in her early adult years including being part of a sorority and the Tuberculosis Association. She also did babysitting and cake decorating in addition to being a wonderful wife, mother, and homemaker. Cleo worked at Glenn County Social Services as a clerical assistant and office manager from 1969 until her retirement in 1989.
Some special memories while raising their three girls include vacationing in Tahoe at King’s Beach, going
camping and fishing at Hole in the Ground and Plaskett Meadows, and going mushroom hunting in the foothills. Once their family was raised, Rey & Cleo enjoyed RV travel throughout the US and going on cruises with Alaska, New Zealand/Australia and the Amazon being among her favorites.

She had a number of hobbies to keep her busy. She enjoyed sewing and crocheting which included making a lot of her family’s clothing and crocheting an afghan for each of her grandchildren and their firstborns. She also enjoyed reading, gardening, canning produce and going to yard sales. In her retired years, she and Rey sold their wares at craft fairs and the Butte Street Market.

Cleo said, “I always felt we were blessed with a wonderful life and family!”

She is preceded in death by her husband (Rey), brother (Floren Boone), sister (Lauvaune Cramer) and son-in-law, John Haluck. She is survived by her daughters Yvette Haluck of Roseville, Rochelle (Dan) Eckley of Cottonwood, Lisa (Greg) Michael of Willows; her nine grandchildren Scott Haluck, Nicholas Haluck, Christa Warner, David Eckley, Laura Walker, Katie Coleman, Renee Reinhardt, Walter Michael, Warren Michael; and her 23 great grandchildren. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Cleo’s life will be held at OpenGate Christian Fellowship (950 W. Laurel St.) in Willows on
Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 2:00 pm. There will be a time of fellowship and desserts following the
celebration. There will be a private burial. In lieu of flowers, please know that Cleo would just want you to
save your money! If you feel led, you can donate to your favorite charity.

10/14/2025

Obituary For Shirley Ann Garnett
Shirley Ann Garnett 84 of Willows passed away October 6th 2025 peacefully at home surrounded by family.

Shirley was born January 31st 1941 in Bode Iowa to Arthur H. Hansen and Thelma M. Knudslein. She was the youngest of six siblings.

Shirley went to Bode High School where she met a young handsome Army soldier, by the name of Jerry Garnett, they fell in love. With the approval of their parents the were married on October 1st 1953. They had their first child David in July of 1959.After Jerry's service the family moved to Paradise Ca. Shirley was a stay at home mother. They soon moved to Willows Ca and had two more boys. Ray in 1961 and Steven in 1962.

After the boys started school Shirley went to work at Ben Franklin followed by the Western Auto. Later she went to work at Daughtrey's Department Store. She worked there for 25 years until they closed down. She went to work at Willows Pharmacy until she retired.

Shirley enjoyed spending time on family camping trips and family fishing trips on Jerry's boat out on the ocean.

She is survived by her children David (Loretta) , Ray, and Steven. Her grandchildren Valerie, Chris, Jared, Mariza, Logan, Hunter, and Malia

She is proceded in death by her Parents Thelma and Arthur Hansen. Her siblings Dorothy, James, Joyce Faye, and Gloria. As well as her loving husband Jerry.

A family graveside service will be held at the Willows Cemetery. There will be a reception held at the families home following the service.

10/14/2025

Obituary For Willowmae Reed
Willowmae Reed who also went by the nickname Willie by her close friends and all she worked with, was born November 29, 1933 went home to be with the lord October 4, 2025 surrounded by her loved ones.

Willowmae was born and raised on a ranch east of Willows where she lived all her life. Graduated from Willows High and went on to college to become a dietitian and worked for Glenn General Hospital for over 42 years. Through the halls of the hospital coming from the kitchen you could hear Willie singing as she often did with her big beautiful voice cooking up some goodies, from her famous Mac N Cheese to her cookies to her bread and rolls to her warm delicious pies everyone knew when Willie was cooking.

In her spare time she would cater weddings and parties, make the most beautiful delicious wedding cakes. She always had a book of special orders for her beloved pies year around, in May and June you could catch her red stained hands from the fresh berries she had just picked that morning to go with her special orders.

You always knew when ground working season or harvest season was here cause you could bet Willie would be making her molasses cookies with her mom for all the men to snack on while they were sitting on the tractors or harvesters.

Willowmae loved her flowers and gardening. She loved to plant all the spring time flowers she could find on our many nursery trips we would go on just to find the next best flower or bulb. It was always an adventure we could look forward to with her. When Memorial Day came around she had to make sure she had enough flowers for all the family graves to make the most beautiful bouquets. You could always tell by driving past the cemetery on East 162 when Willowmae had visited as her bouquets would brighten up all that lay. As with all her flowers and many, many flower beds came lots of w**ding and one thing she loved was keeping her flowerbeds w**d free. You could often find her out among the flowers w**ding them clean. When you called her and asked what she was doing you could almost always count on her to say “I got some w**ds to pull.” May she keep her flowerbeds w**d free in heaven.

In the heat of the afternoon you would often find her not sitting in the house in the air conditioning, well because a nice cool air conditioned house could ruin you from wanting to go outside and work, you find her sitting out under the Magnolia tree on the patio enjoying the cool breeze and the sounds of the fish pound. Some of the best conversations you would ever have would be sitting right there under that Magnolia tree. At the end of the conversations when you would have to go, you could never say GoodBye as she would reply GoodBye is forever so we shall say see ya later and give you a hand shake and hug.

Willowmae is preceded in death by her parents George and Crystal Reed, brothers Paul and Virgil, sister Ada. Survived by her sister Carol Windham, Niece Sheryl (Richard) Chapman,Nephew Steven Windham, great nephews and nieces, Loren, Abby, Lance, Lilia, Melanie, Greg, Byron, Amber,Vanessa, Great Great nephews and nieces, Katilynn, Justin, Ryan, Josie, Gabi, Junior, Reilly, Macie, Nicholas, Kassian and Emiliano and great, great, great nephew Akamu.

Graveside services will be held at Willows Cemetery, Thursday October 16, 2025 10:00.

After Services, in honor of Willowmae we will be serving pastries, cakes and pies, at Willows Christian Church 200 S. Plumas Street Willows.

10/14/2025

Obituary For Steven Buster Abold
Steven Buster Abold passed away on September 27, 2025. He was born on July 19,1963 in San Mateo, California to Robert and Barbara Abold and grew up in Bayliss, California.

After graduating from Willows High School in 1982, Steve pursued his passion for mechanics at the Universal Technical Institute(UTI) in Phoenix, Arizona. He worked 40 years as a mechanic for Glenn County Public Works, the Tehama-Colusa Canal Authority, and the City of Willows.

He served as a volunteer fireman for the Bayliss and Willows Fire Departments and coached Willows Little League baseball and softball teams, even holding the position of president of the Little League for several years. In recognition of his service he received the Community Service Award for 2010 from the Willows Volunteer Fire Department. Additionally, he was an active elder at the First Lutheran Church in Willows.

On July 12,1986 Steve married Ann Marie Lea at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Artois, and together they built a loving family. He is survived by his wife, Ann; their daughter Stephanie(Bon) McElroy; son Patrick (Nikki) Abold; daughter Andrea (Frank) Flores; and ten grandchildren.

Steven’s life was dedicated to serving God, his family, and his neighbors. He was known for his generous spirit, kindness, and wonderful sense of humor.

He enjoyed gardening, camping and traveling with his family, going to the NHRA drag races in Sonoma and spending time with his grandchildren.

A gravesite service will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Willows Cemetery followed by a celebration of life luncheon at Jacinto Grange in Bayliss.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the First Lutheran Church in memory of Steve.

09/26/2025

Obituary For Willie Lee Beavers
Willie Lee Beavers was born on April 3, 1979, and finished a 13 year battle with Leukemia on September 13, 2025. He won the fight and we feel so proud of him.

It’s been a long road, but he pushed through years of treatments with grit and strength, trusting in his medical team at Stanford who provided the best care on the planet. They often called him “the unicorn” because he constantly beat the odds and surpassed expectations. A lot of that was because of the mindset and muscle he built from years of weight training and power lifting. In 2012 he set a California state and personal record for bench pressing 543.3 pounds. A month later, he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Our initial shock quickly turned into determination and he sailed through a bone marrow transplant and enjoyed many years of remission. During that time we had our miracle baby, Beau Miles Beavers, who he called our greatest creation. Beau has filled our lives with so much joy and Willie kept fighting to watch his son grow. I’ve never seen anyone love more fiercely.

During this first remission he started his business, Willows Plumbing, with the motto “here for you.” He exemplified that by serving the community as if they
were part of our family, working late in the evening, holidays, weekends, and always proud of his work and fair pricing. He would often change lightbulbs after fixing a toilet or sit around to chat with those in need of a listening ear. It was common for him to bring flowers to those who were mourning or needed a lift. He felt it was a special privilege to work inside people’s homes and always tried to leave things better than he found them.

Our home was his temple and we worked together as a family to make it a place full of love, service, and faith. He had friends from all walks of life and a
compassionate heart for those in need. He was a cheerleader for the underdog and would do anything to help someone who was willing to help themself.

His loudest cheering was reserved for the San Francisco Giants baseball team and the majority of his wardrobe is orange and black in their honor. The Giants greatest wins were during his early treatment years in 2012, and 2014, . We have a wall of World Series pictures in our hallway and Willie often talked about how Matt Cain threw a perfect game on the same day he was released from the hospital after a month of chemo. We still call it our perfect day.

When the cancer relapsed in 2019, we started a second fight, this time with our son in tow. We have had so many beautiful years on the cancer battlefield as a family with the bulk of this past year spent in and out of clinics and hospitals. Homeschool and self employment have allowed us to spend 100% of our time together as a family and it has been an incredible blessing. Willie did all the heavy lifting with countless treatments and tests that he endured, but we stood beside him and cheered as he finished this final press. It was certainly the heaviest weight he’s ever lifted and he did it with grace.

He loved his family deeply. Nobody wants to have cancer at the same time as their parents, but he walked through the first part of his journey alongside his dad until Terry won his fight in 2019. He then walked this final part of his journey next to his mom, Jean, who was braving her way through cancer this past year. He told his doctors that he needed to make it until she was all clear, and he did it! He
loved his older brother, Scott, with a depth that only brothers can have. He was happy in his final days to cheer for Scott’s sobriety and success and was so
proud of the life Scott is building.

Willie loved watching his nephew, Nick, grow and was so happy to see him stepping into a wonderful adult life. He appreciated his relationship with his
brother in law, Michael Sides, and knew we could count on him for anything. He has lots of cousins, aunts, and uncles with whom he had cherished relationships.

He had a special bond with his sister, Tammy, who he lived with for several years during high school and college. He shared so many fond memories of times at her house. He had a tight-knit friend group who he referred to as family. They have been friends since childhood and walked through flames and trials as a
team. It brought him so much joy to spend time with these friends in his final weeks. He had so many dear friends and fellow contractors who helped with his
plumbing business and he wanted me to send a special thank you to them.

Willie’s final focus was on gratitude. Even though the cancer took the use of both hands and his ability to walk, he praised God for the medicine he took, the blood and platelets that were donated for transfusions, and the people who cared for
him. He was a true miracle and we learned over the years that faith in God is the only lasting source of peace. I know he was welcomed into heaven by his dad, grandparents, and countless loved ones with shouts of joy.

He hated it when people would say “I’m sorry for your loss” because he said it implied that they somehow caused it. Instead he would share memories or personal strengths he saw in the lives of those who had passed. He was careful with words, a loud defender of truth, and taught me so much about Christlike love.

Willie fought hard, but he didn’t lose. And he’s not lost. We miss him desperately and are most grateful to Jesus for providing the ultimate victory for us to be
together again.

I am his wife, Missy, and have had the best 20 years of my life with Willie. Those who know us can attest that we had no business being together. We are two of the most opposite people in the world, but God brought us together and will keep us that way forever.

We will celebrate his life with the same love, compassion, and humor that he gave to all of us. He will be laid to rest at the Willows Cemetery in a graveside service at 11AM on Friday, September 26, 2025. A luncheon at the Elks Lodge will follow afterward. Please come wearing orange and black to honor his Giants and bring a sticker, decal, or magnet of the SF Giants to place on his casket.
We love you Willie and are so incredibly proud of the life you built and the legacy you are leaving. You did it. You won!

09/26/2025

Obituary For Ernest Edward Spooner
Ernest Edward “Ernie” Spooner, 95, of Willows, California, passed away on Septemeber 5, 2025. He was born February 6, 1930, in Willows, where he spent much of his life surrounded by family, friends, and fellow veterans.

Ernest will be remembered for his kindness, strong faith,and the love he shared with those who knew him. He leaves behind a lasting legacy of warmth and generosity.

He is survived by his three daughters and their families: Aimee Manard and her husband Aldon Manard Jr. (Buzz);Angie Fiack and her husband Tom Fiack and their two children; and Maria Ehorn and her husband Jerry Ehorn and their five children. Ernest was a proud grandfather to Bobby Manard and Cassandra Amore, and a cherished great-grandfather to Mea Rose and Arturo. Ernest is also survived by his loving siblings: Catherine Pryor, Monica Azavedo, Teresa Lacroix, Dorothy Duncan, and Rita Gomes. Together with extended family and countless freinds, they will carry on his memory with love and grattitude.

Ernest was proceeded in death by beloved family members who now welcome him into eternal rest.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Saint Monica's Catholic Church on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Immediatly following the Mass, internment will take place at the graveside. A reception will be held following the graveside at The Meadows, 6791 County Road 39, Willows ,CA 95988

09/18/2025