Kerr Mortuary

10/08/2026

Obituary For Lavern Ann Albaugh
LaVern Ann Albaugh passed away on September 27th, 2026, at the age of 86, surrounded by her loving family. Born on October 2nd, 1939, she had an adventurous childhood in Northern
California. She spent many wonderful weekends going to “the Diamond,” a ranch managed by her grandparents, George and Susie Oliver, west of Red Bluff, California. LaVern often
reminisced about running home on Fridays because it was faster than taking the school bus. There, Papa George or one of the hired men would be waiting to take her to the Diamond for the
weekend. As she grew up, LaVern became active in 4-H. Highly competitive, it was hard to beat her. She loved telling the story of how a judge couldn’t decide whether she or her sister should
win and finally placed her sister higher because her lamb was “fitted just a bit better.” She always chuckled at that because she had fitted both lambs. Another highlight of her childhood
was traveling to San Francisco to show her livestock at the Cow Palace. As the youngest daughter, LaVern enjoyed squabbling with her older sister, Marie. Her favorite story to tell was how one night, while the two were milking cows and bickering, LaVern
upended her milk pail right over Marie’s head, ruining her hairdo for an upcoming date. Even decades later, you could get her laughing by simply mentioning the night of the milk debacle.
In 1965, she married Ron Albaugh. They were married for 48 years and raised two sons, Mark and Norris. They first lived on Ron’s family ranch in Adin, California. In 1969, they moved to Fallon, Nevada, after the Albaughs expanded their operation. Fallon would be home for the next 52 years.

In the decades that followed, LaVern was the ultimate ranch wife. She ran a leather business, sold pine cones, grain, and cattails to florists, and cooked for harvest crews. She loved company and baked some of the best desserts, including her famous Mississippi Mud Cake. Everyone knew her freezer would be well-stocked with treats, and visitors often showed up around mealtime. She was also a devoted member of Parkside Bible Fellowship and the
Churchill County Cowbelles. LaVern took ranching seriously. She often talked about the highs and lows of ranch life,
particularly one brutal winter when she had 23 chilled calves in front of her wood stove to warm up. Ranching wasn’t just her identity; it was her life, woven into nearly every part of who she
was. LaVern also took great pride in her hair. Every two weeks, like clockwork, she would be
at the salon. Her appointments were a sacred routine, and everyone in the family knew it. On one memorable occasion, her grandchildren were out hunting when they shot a buck, leaving them unable to take her to her hair appointment. For a brief moment, that was the end of the world...
until the appointment was rescheduled for the next day.

As the years continued, LaVern had several big adventures. In 2022, she moved with her son, Norris, and his family to a ranch near Maywood, Nebraska. There, she built a brand-new
home and enjoyed daily visits from her grandchildren. Birthdays were always celebrated with her, and if you were asked what kind of cake you wanted, “Granny” would make sure that was
what you got. In 2024, the Albaugh family sold their Nebraska ranch and moved to Milan, Missouri. There, LaVern made her home with her son, Norris, alongside her granddaughter, Helen, and
grandson-in-law, Sam. She enjoyed going to church, watching the sheep from the porch with an embroidery project in hand, and keeping tabs on her cattle. She also cherished visits from her
grandchildren, Ann, Waldo, and Wilhelmina, who all lived out of state. LaVern leaves behind a lifetime of memories and more stories than could ever fit on a few pages. But we know she is reunited with the family she loved in heaven, cooking meals for the angels and making sure her hair is just right. LaVern is survived by her sons, Norris Albaugh and Mark (Teresa) Albaugh; her four
granddaughters, Ann Albaugh, Carrie Albaugh, Helen (Sam) Brewster, and Wilhelmina Albaugh; her grandson, Waldo Albaugh; four great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces
and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ron Albaugh; her parents, John and Helen Hencratt; and her sister, Marie Haley. A private burial will be held with family. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Adin Community Center in Adin, CA, at 11:00 a.m. on October 17th, 2026, with a meal to follow.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate LaVern’s life.

09/29/2026

Obituary For Louis Edward Williamson
Louis Edward Williamson Jr.

Louis Edward Williamson Jr. was born on July 31, 1959 and passed away on September 16, 2026 at Saint Mary’s hospital in Reno, Nevada. Louis leaves behind his sisters and brothers in law, Robin and Wade Teuscher, LuAnne and Gary Spicer and Lori and Jim Lloyd, his daughter Zoey Williamson and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Louis and his mother, Evelyn.

Louis was born in Coalinga, California, the third child of Louis and Evelyn. After two girls, his dad was thrilled to have a son and was proud to name him Louis Jr. However, Louis had the nickname Dusty for many years before deciding he would follow his dad’s footsteps and be called Louis. Louis suffered a brain injury when he was two years old, which was around the time the last child, Lori, was born. While this was a devastating blow for his family, and Louis had to start over cognitively and physically, life did go on. Louis worked hard and fought his way back, and he continued throughout his life to tackle many obstacles that were placed in his way. In 1972 the Williamson family packed their bags and moved to Alturas. There they laid down roots and Louis went to high school after completing 8th grade. Louis had a lot of support and was proud when he graduated from high school at Modoc High. Louis was the light of his father’s life and they were inseparable after his dad retired. Louis was often seen with his dad hauling a trailer with a lawnmower to various places to mow lawns. He was a hard worker, was friendly to everyone he met and always had something funny to say. Louis loved Johnny Cash, WWE wrestling and was a huge fan of the Washington Commanders aka the Redskins, as well as the baseball teams, New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves. He enjoyed visiting with anyone who had a free minute or maybe even 15 or 20. He also loved to play cards, with friends old and new. Louis spent the last years of his life at Warnerview Convalescent hospital. His family appreciates the kindness of the staff, and all the care they provided.

Services for Louis will be graveside at the Alturas Cemetery on October 1st at 11 am. A celebration of life will follow after the services at the home of Aaron and Jami Teuscher, 38851 Hwy 299.

09/11/2026

Obituary For Johnny Ray Roden
Johnny Ray Roden was born to John and Margaret Roden on September 25th 1947 in Alturas,CA and passed away on August 16th 2026.

He is survived by his son Jeff Roden,three grandchildren, his sister Sue Wendland, his nephew Rick Welling and preceded in death by his son Brian Roden. His family will miss him very much. At least some of them…

09/05/2026

09/01/2026

Obituary For Raymond Wayne Abernethy
Raymond Wayne Abernethy

Alturas, California — Raymond Wayne Abernethy, known to many as “Big Ray,” passed away peacefully on July 19, 2026, in Alturas, California, with his children by his side.

Ray was born on December 4, 1943, in Ottawa, Canada. At the age of seven, he and his family relocated to Washington, where he grew up. Ray graduated from Stadium High School in Tacoma, Washington, in 1963.

Active, competitive, and always up for a challenge, Ray ran track in school, taking third place in the 440-yard run at the Elks Junior Olympics. He also played football, played in the school and pep bands, and served as a school savings manager and Red Cross representative. He won first place in a state sales contest with the Stadium Castle Retailers, which took him to Chicago for a national school club meeting.

In March 1966, Ray was drafted into the U.S. Army. He proudly served two years of active duty as a butcher, earning a R***e Marksman Badge and the National Defense Service Medal, before being honorably discharged from the Army Reserve in 1972.

Following his military service, Ray lived for many years living in Monterey, working in tree trimmer and masonry. He loved spending time at local spots like Cannery Row, Mission Ranch, Sadie’s Bar, Bennie and Anea’s Bar, Bar Rondeview, and the Brick House. He also had a passion for fast cars, winning a street-class car race in Monterey in 1969, and cherished beach days spent making memories with his son, Ray.

In the late 1990s, Ray moved to Alturas, California, where he spent the remainder of his life. Before earning his real estate license, he worked as a bartender at the Niles Hotel, which was owned by his brother John and family. Ray was a proud devoted Modoc Brave fan, never missing a football game or wrestling match that his son Ray competed in. Ray also visited the local jail and women’s prisons to offer ministry, support, and conversation. (Ray loved the ladies).

For the last 16 years of his life, his greatest joy was being “Papa” to his grandchildren, whether they were watching movies and TV series together or watching and cheering them on at their baseball and softball games.

Ray lived a big, exciting life. He mastered Wing Chun Kung Fu, loved riding his motorcycles, and was a devoted Raiders fan, and watching a Sunday football game will never be the same without him. The life of every party, the extra words he always added when singing “Happy Birthday” will be missed, but forever remembered with a smile.

Ray had a way of making everyone feel welcome. He could turn a simple conversation into a story, a story into a laugh, and a gathering into a lifelong memory. He will be missed by everyone who was blessed to know him. He will be remembered for his stories, his laughter, and his kindness.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Ronald and Garry; and his son, Ray Webb.

He is survived by his children, Raymond, Ryan, Isaac and Nicole; his grandchildren, Elijah, Audrie, Raylie, Raymond, Ryan, Kyndall, Kennedi, Kayla, and Skyler. He is also survived by his sister, Valerie; his brothers, Doug (Lillian), John (Liliana), and Michael; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Celebration of Life
A celebration of Big Ray’s life will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 5 PM at the Alturas Elks Lodge, located at 619 N. Main St., Alturas, CA 96101. All who knew and loved him are welcome to attend and celebrate a life incredibly well lived

08/04/2026

Obituary For Nancy Louise Heard
Nancy Louise Heard, 85, of Alturas, California, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2026, in
the town she loved and called home throughout her life.

Early Life and Family:
Nancy was born on January 16, 1941, in Alturas, California, to Donald W. and Margaret
Hicks. She graduated from Modoc High School in 1959, and that same year met the love of her
life, Robert "Bob" Heard. After several years of dating, they were married on November 12,
1961, in Alturas. Together they built a beautiful life and family, welcoming their first daughter,
Janice, in 1963, followed by their daughter Karen in 1965.

Nancy began her professional career with Bank of America before she and Bob purchased a
local plumbing business, establishing Heard Plumbing. Together they faithfully served the
people of Modoc County for more than 50 years. Their entrepreneurial spirit led them to build
and operate several successful local businesses over the years, including Modoc Well Drilling,
Stage Stop Pizza Parlor, California Market, and Modoc Steel. Many of these businesses
operated simultaneously, and Nancy was the steady force behind them all. With remarkable
organization, dedication, and quiet determination, she kept each business running smoothly
while working side by side with Bob throughout their marriage.

Personal Interests And Legacy:
More than any accomplishment, Nancy's greatest pride was her family. She was the heart of her
home, a woman of unwavering strength, wisdom, kindness, compassion, and grace. Whether someone needed a listening ear, thoughtful advice, or simply a comforting presence, Nancy always welcomed them with an open heart. Her calm nature, intuitive wisdom, and genuine love made her a trusted source of guidance for family and friends alike.

Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought immeasurable joy to her life. She treasured every opportunity to spend time with them, listening to their stories, celebrating their accomplishments, and sharing in their adventures.

Nancy also loved opening her home to family and friends. Her gatherings became treasured
traditions, where laughter was plentiful and everyone knew they were in for some of the best home cooking in Modoc County. Her hospitality made every guest feel like family.

An avid outdoorswoman, Nancy found happiness fishing, camping, hunting, and searching for
unique rocks with those she loved. Her passion for conservation led her to serve for many years
as President of the local Ducks Unlimited chapter, where she helped raise thousands of dollars
to protect and restore the wetlands of Modoc County.
When she wasn& #39;t outdoors, Nancy enjoyed reading novels, arts and crafts, decorating her
home, watching classic and Hallmark movies and game shows, and following Rodeos and Bull Riding. In fact, she loved watching bull riding so much, she and Bob bought a Bucking Bull called Modoc Mad! She especially loved dressing for every occasion and was known for her impeccable style. Shopping for clothes and shoes was one of her greatest pleasures, and she was always among the best-dressed wherever she went.

Nancy was also a devoted member of Eastern Star and St. Michael's Episcopal Church.
Nancy's legacy is one of unwavering love, hard work, generosity, and quiet strength. She built successful businesses, created a warm and welcoming home, and devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family and community. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Nancy is survived by her beloved husband of 64 years, Robert “Bob” Heard; her daughters,
Janice (Brent) Bartram and Karen (Bahram) Kahusi; her grandchildren, Brittney (Bill) Mello, Marlana (Andrew) Larrimore, Robbie (Megan) Bartram, Jahan Kahusi, and Kiana Kahusi; her great-grandchildren, Brenna and Lily Mello, Maggie and Odell Larrimore, and Robert and Henry Bartram; her brother, Paul (Judi) Hicks, and their family, including Pollyanna, Melissa, Emily, and Kimberly; her nieces, Katie (Chris) Gordon and their children Haylee, Alyssa, and Wyatt,
and Tori Carpenter and her children Jimmy, Chrystal, and Colton; her brother-in-law, James (Bobbi) Heard; her nephews, Mike (Sarah) Heard and Kennon (Debbie) Heard and their families; her sister-in-law, Nina Heard; her nieces Linda (Jose) Ruiz and Yvonne Turner and their families; along with many beloved cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald W. and Margaret L. Hicks; her sister, Donna M. McPherson; and her brother-in-law, Ronald Heard.
Service Details

A celebration of Nancy's life will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at the Elks Hall in Alturas, California. Following the service, family and friends are warmly invited to remain for a barbecue and potluck luncheon as they gather to celebrate a life so well lived.

07/02/2026

We will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day.
We will resume normal business hours on Monday, July 6, at 8:00 a.m.
Please note that our staff remains available 24 hours a day for families in need of immediate assistance.
We wish you a safe and happy Independence Day!

07/02/2026

Obituary For Kathleen Benner Pulfer
Kathleen “Kathy” Benner Pulfer was born on December 29, 1962, to William and Angela Benner in Quantico, Virginia, where her family was stationed at a Marine Corps base. Kathy loved sharing stories of growing up in different parts of the country and around the world, and she was incredibly proud to be the daughter of a United States Marine.

When Kathy was in middle school, the family settled in Cedarville, California. She graduated from Surprise Valley High School in 1980 before attending Lassen Community College, where she earned her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) degree. She returned to Cedarville to begin her nursing career at Surprise Valley Hospital and Clinic, where she faithfully cared for her community. Kathy truly loved being a nurse and was known for her exceptional compassion, skill, and ability to bring comfort to those who needed it most.

In 1991, Kathy married Jeffrey Pulfer, and together they welcomed their daughter, Laine. Later, Kathy embraced a new chapter when she and her father, Bill, opened a real estate business together. The flexibility this career provided allowed her to devote even more time to the people and causes she loved. She became deeply involved in Saint James and Sacred Heart Catholic Churches, volunteered with the local 4-H club, helped establish the middle school girls’ cheerleading program, organized the annual Christmas Nativity program alongside her sister, Kara, and raised Miniature Australian Shepherds.

Kathy had an infectious sense of humor and a radiant smile that could brighten any room. She possessed an extraordinarily generous heart and was always willing to help anyone in need. One Christmas, after learning that a local family would not have gifts for their children, Kathy quietly purchased presents for them so they could experience the joy of Christmas morning. That simple act reflected who she was throughout her life—someone who consistently placed the needs of others before her own.

Her greatest loves were her Catholic faith, her family, her beloved dogs, the beauty of autumn, and the peaceful Oregon coast.

One of Kathy’s greatest blessings came in recent years when she spent two years living in Omaha, Nebraska, with her daughter and grandchildren. She treasured that time together, creating many memories with the grandchildren she adored before eventually returning home to Cedarville.

Kathy was preceded in death by her husband, Jeffrey Pulfer; her parents, William and Angela Benner; her brother, William Benner Jr.; and her grandniece, Cleo Stevenson.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Laine (Mario) Roman; her sister, Kara (Will) Stevenson; her niece, Rachel (Cole) Stremler; her nephews, Cole (Mattee) Stevenson and Wade (Kaylie) Stevenson; her cherished grandchildren, Aaden, Ezekiel, and Gianna Roman; and her beloved grandnieces and grandnephews, Emmett, Liam, Presley, and Ronan Stevenson.

Kathy will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her kindness, unwavering faith, joyful spirit, and generous heart leave a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched.

Kathy had a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother and so we ask if you are of the Catholic Faith to please say a rosary in her honor.

At Kathy’s request, a private Catholic Mass will be offered for the repose of her soul.

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