Trinity Alps Funeral Home

05/18/2026

Barbara ‘Bobbie’ Simmons passed away peacefully in her home on Feb. 12, 2026, at the age of 81.

Barb was born in Santa Rosa, California, in June of 1944 to Ione and Taylor Alward. She was raised in Weaverville and attended Weaverville Elementary School, Trinity High School and Chico State University.

She loved people and enjoyed jobs that enabled her to interact with them, including working as a car hop at the A&W in Weaverville, as an aide at Sonoma State Hospital in her early 20s, and for Contel, the local phone company in Weaverville. But her favorite job by far was at the front counter at Trinity High School, where she is fondly remembered by many who claim they wouldn’t have graduated had it not been for ‘Barb.’

She was a wonderful storyteller, often entertaining her daughters and later her grandsons with hilarious stories from her youth. In her later years she loved spending summers on Trinity Lake, vacationing with her children and grandchildren and visiting with friends and family at the Trinity Alps Golf Course.

Her last year was spent doing what she loved best, watching “Seinfeld” and waving hello to neighbors from her front porch. Her daughters will always be grateful to Cheryl Thomas and Mary Whitmore for making it possible for their mom to spend her final year in the home she loved so much.

Barbara is survived by her daughters and their husbands, Molly and Harry Contos; and Sarah and Dustin Sheetz; her five grandsons, Peter and Jack Contos, and Carson, Camden and Owen Sheetz; her siblings, Cathy and Leon Brossier, Sue and Bill Alward, Bob and Joanne Simmons; Marcia and Terry Lane and Karen and Steve Simmons; her cousins Lynn and Tom King; her dear friends Donna Crosswhite, Michelle Lincoln and Linda Lindsey; and countless nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 58 years, Jack Simmons Jr.; her parents, Ione Castro and Taylor Alward; her sister Patty and Ed Case and her niece Stacy Simmons.

A Mass celebrating her life will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Weaverville on at 11 a.m. Friday, July 3, and we will ‘Roll Out the Barrel’ at Trinity Alps Golf Course in Weaverville at 12:30 p.m. All are invited to attend and share your stories of Barb. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Dawn Hospice, PO Box 2085, Weaverville, CA 96093.

Until we meet again – Bye Bye, Be Good.

05/08/2026

05/08/2026

It is with unending sorrow and grief that we announce the death of Cpl. Ramsey Langan Senter.

He was born June 24, 2001, in Kirkwood, Missouri, to Delmont and Heather Senter. Ramsey was the youngest of seven siblings, a role he fully embraced. He was strong-willed, curious, protective and quick with sarcasm. He didn’t sugarcoat much and could be stubborn when he felt strongly about something — which was often. But beneath that rough edge was someone loyal and faithful to the people he loved.

Ramsey was proud to serve five years in the U.S. Marine Corps. He walked with honor, courage and commitment. He graduated MCRD in November 2019 with Echo Company. He was eventually assigned to the Wake Island Avengers (VMFA-211) as a flight equipment technician. His job was to maintain emergency survival equipment intended to ensure the safety and survivability of F-35 pilots.

Being a Marine meant everything to him. He carried that pride in his posture, his work ethic and his belief in and love for his brothers. It was a part of his life he valued deeply, striving for honesty and integrity. He was medically retired in February 2024.

Outside of his service, Ramsey loved working on his 1994 Chevy step-side pickup truck. He spent hours under the hood, enlisting family and friends to help him. But he was also quick to help others with their own projects, whether that was with their own trucks, moving homes or singing karaoke at the bar.

He also enjoyed nature and spending time with his buddies hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and hanging out at the Diggins. More than anything, Ramsey was a father. He is survived by his two children, Leo Freeman Senter and Violet Joy Senter. They carry pieces of him forward in this world — in their smiles, their strength and the stories that will be told about their dad. His love for them was real and lasting, and being their father was one of the roles in life he held closest to his heart.

As the baby of the family, Ramsey grew up surrounded by his parents and siblings who shaped him and loved him fiercely. He leaves behind his family, who will miss his stubbornness, his humor, his ingenuity and the irreplaceable space he filled in their lives.

Ramsey died after a private battle that many may not have fully seen. He was extremely sick with a severe case of Crohn’s disease and had endured many surgeries. He was malnourished and in pain daily. He fought hard to be OK, but the weight of a broken heart and the battles he carried became more than he could bear, and he succumbed to the darkness and delusion of self-doubt and despair.

He lost hope in a better future, healing and wholeness. He believed the lies of the enemy that the world would be a better place without him in it. Like so many others who carry themselves with strength, pride and resilience, the struggles he carried were heavier than he let on.

His family hopes that his passing serves as a reminder that pain is not always visible, and that checking in, speaking up, and reaching out for help are acts of courage — not weakness. Ramsey’s death is a reminder that the mind can turn against a person in ways that aren’t always visible from the outside. He was loved, he was surrounded by people, and still, what he was experiencing internally became too much.

This is not about a lack of love. It’s about how powerful and isolating the mind can be. If something feels off in you or someone close to you, say something. Don’t wait. You will be met without judgment — only understanding.

In honoring Ramsey’s life, his family hopes to encourage open conversations about mental health, especially among veterans and young men who are so often taught to carry their burdens quietly and alone.

He was loved. He mattered. He will always be remembered and missed. We look forward to the day we will be reunited in Heaven. Until then, you will always be our fat little round bald man with pointy ears, pretty eyes and a lip-sucking dog tongue. Our Little Fatty Patty Man.

A private ceremony was held Feb. 27 at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona with Marine Corps Funeral Honors.

If you are struggling with mental health or suicidal ideation, please reach out. Dial 988 to reach the Su***de and Crisis Lifeline. For those who might be struggling with similar things Ramsey was facing, you can also reach out to the Tyler J Patton Foundation.

04/19/2026

James Beverly Havener, 93, of Weaverville, passed away on Feb. 18, 2026.

Jim was born and raised in Washington, D.C. He joined the U.S. Army in 1952, serving in artillery and heavy weapons in Germany during the Korean War.

Following his honorable discharge, he spent a short time in Mississippi before making his way to Bull Creek, California. There, he worked in a local lumber mill and welcomed his son and daughter.

Jim later moved to Weott, where he built a career as a laborer in road construction. In 1981 it was road construction that brought him to Coffee Creek where a chance meeting changed everything.

Jim and Mary built a life together that was as full as it was fun. They were later married and for many years, the two of them owned and operated the Forest Deli and Minikat Drive-In, becoming fixtures in the community they loved. Jim hung up his hard hat for good in 1993, but he never slowed down when it came to family, friends and a good laugh.

Jim will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his great sense of humor, and his love of simple moments — especially relaxing by the burn barrel listening to music on summer evenings, surrounded by family and friends. His drive of staying busy never faded as he was still cutting and splitting wood well into his 80s.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Bo**ie, Paula and Bonnie.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; his children, Chris (Mary) and Beverly (Pat), Casey (Sandra), Mindy (Tim), Chris (Peggy), and Mary (Mike); his siblings, Barbara, Connie, and Wendy; and his grandchildren, Emilia, Ace, Anthony, Nate and Josh.

Jim will be interred at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery in Igo on May 4. Family and friends are invited to a celebration of life that will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 3, at the Lowden Park Cook Shack in Weaverville.

04/06/2026

Obituary of Ed Whitchurch

Ed was born on December 18, 1935, in Pomona, California, to Daniel Whitchurch, Sr., and Betty Hatti (Tucker) Whitchurch. He was the oldest of eleven children. His early childhood was spent in southern California. He was in the United States Army from 1954 through 1956. He spent many years driving truck and doing business in Fortuna, California, as Whitchurch Marketing and Fortuna Feed and Garden Center. In 2002, he moved to Weaverville where he was an accomplished woodworker and gardener.

Ed passed away on April 3, peacefully and surrounded by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Elsie, of Weaverville; son, Eddie, daughter, Danelle (Cary), son, Patrick (Cathy), daughter, Wendy and son, Brian (Sherri) He leaves ten grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren (soon to be fifteen), and three great great grandchildren and four grandchildren by proxy. He is survived by his four youngest siblings.

He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Interment will be in the Northern California Veterans Cemetery, in Igo, California.

04/05/2026

Carolyn Fayreen Beans, 83, of Weaverville, California, passed away on March 23, 2026, with her daughter Heidi Heikes by her side — entering her final rest and joining her late husband (David Beans) in Glory.

Carolyn was born on Dec. 18, 1942, to Harvey Lemke and Fayreen Snoddy in Los Angeles, California. Her childhood was made sweet by the involvement of her dear Aunt Ruth, Aunt Margaret, Grandmother Snoddy and cousins.

After high school, she was on vacation with her family when life settled into her dream. It was the summer of 1960 when she met David Beans at Red’s Meadow Campground, went on a 20-mile hike and had proposed to him by the end of the hike. He said yes, and they married six months later on Jan. 22, 1961.

In 1963, Carolyn established her home with David in Trinity County — starting first in Hayfork, then moving into Weaverville before settling down in the home and acreage on Oregon Mountain they shared together for the rest of their marriage.

Carolyn and David went on to have three children: Alan, Daniel and Heidi. They remained loyal and affectionate, loving each other deeply for their 64 years of marriage. Up until the end, Carolyn knew there was a hole that couldn’t be filled from her sweetheart’s absence since his passing on Dec. 21, 2025.

Carolyn was very active in the local Weaverville community, beginning with her volunteer work at Weaverville Elementary School and then went on to work at the DMV and also filled the role of CFO for the Trinity County Food Bank. Her other activity in the community included dedicated service with Weaverville Church of the Nazarene, quilting classes, Bible study groups and supporting David’s various service outlets — keeping him organized by bookkeeping for him.

After retiring from her work with DMV, she revisited her dream to continue her education and attended Simpson (College) University to earn her bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She then went on to become ordained on April 30, 2010, in the Nazarene Church and began her role as the pastor of Compassion Ministries.

In her spare time Carolyn tended her garden on the 40 acres shared with her husband, David — roses being her favorite plant to tend: having a special rose planted for each child and grandchild. Carolyn cherished shared meals, hot drinks (coffee and tea), and relaxing on porch swings with her husband — always with a project in her hand: sewing, crocheting, embroidery.

They shared several road trips in their RV and loved traveling to visit family in Oregon and other parts of California and seeing several of the national parks. Taking the grandkids out on their patio boat was a summer highlight for her — and tent camping transported her to the happy summers of her childhood.

Carolyn embraced the challenge of designing the house they would live in together for the next 24 years — after the 2001 fire destroyed the property and house she and David had built together. Her last months were spent loving her neighbors living in the memory care facility alongside her — engaging in exercise classes, singing romance songs along with live performers, creating pretty crafts, soaking up scenic drives, blowing kisses, calling everyone sweetheart, holding hands with family and sharing her biggest smiles with whoever passed by.

Carolyn is survived by her sister Christine Milan; special cousins who were like siblings: Steve Clark, Ron Alkire and Betty Priebe; children Alan (Paula), Daniel (Sheree) and Heidi (Robin); nine grandchildren: Ashley, Stacey, Joshua, Ryan, Nicole, Kyla, Lyndsey, Madelyn and Gregory; and seven great-grandchildren (plus two more coming this year); as well as a church and community who surrounded her, loving her to the end with cards and messages of care.

A community graveside service was held at the Weaverville Cemetery at 4 p.m. March 29 — on Palm Sunday, the day that Jesus entered Jerusalem and was heralded as King. Carolyn is singing to Him now and feeling more loved and safe than ever.

If you wish to honor her life with a special gesture — go plant a rose! Or donate to Weaverville Church of the Nazarene or any community outreach organization such as the Golden Age Center, Trinity Scholarship Foundation, Trinity County Food Bank, to name a few.

03/29/2026

A celebration of life for Ronald E. Yingling will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 11, at the Junction City Community Center, 71-A Dutch Creek Road.

03/11/2026

Steven (“Tobi”) Duane Mitchell, 60, passed away at his Weaverville, California, home Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, from heart issues. He had been in a Redding hospital for a week.

He leaves his mother, Janey, and brother, Harris, of Weaverville. His dad “Beau” preceded him in death.

He was born Nov. 24, 1965, in Dallas, Texas. Steven moved to Weaverville with his family in 1970. His grandad, Glen Mitchell, lived here.

He went to Weaverville Elementary School and graduated from Trinity High School in 1984. He went to Shasta College, then later on to Lone Star College to get his bachelor’s degree. He always wanted to make this world a little bit better.

Steven was known for his non-stop energy — a special blend of strength, resilience and perseverance.

He was always HAPPY.

Steven worked in Texas 15 years for a giant pharmaceutical and medical corporation where his skills as an excellent communicator, quick problem-solver and leadership skills really shined. Being the ever confident one, he enthusiastically led his team during the Katrina crisis. He cleverly devised many innovative solutions to help the victims receive needed supplies faster and safer. He also helped in ways unimaginable on a personal basis.

He later worked in Portland, Oregon, to be closer to family. He was working at ACE Hardware when he passed away. ACE employees commented that he had always been an inspiration to all of them.

Steven’s greatest passion was NASCAR. He knew so much about the cars that he would have made a great crew chief. He enjoyed going to Texas Motor Speedway with his friend, Brigette, to watch them. He especially favored Dale Earnhardt Sr., then Dale Jr.

He enjoyed listening to music and going to concerts. Among his favorites was Def Leppard. He played his guitar often.

He was also a major sports fan. He collected sports cards. Among his favorites were Barry Sanders and Jerry Rice. He was an avid San Francisco 49ers fan. He collected most of their sportswear. He also enjoyed ocean fishing in Crescent City. He was also a genius in the tech field.

He was always HAPPY.

He will always be remembered as a devoted son and a faithful brother. No matter the hardships life brought him, it was still meant to be fun. His life was a testament of honesty, thoughtfulness and kindness for everyone who touched his life. He also had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Janey and Harris’ hearts ache as they were not ready to say goodbye to such a vibrant soul. They had envisioned many more laughs and fun times ahead with him. However, they take solace knowing that he lives on in their memories and in the lessons he taught them. His passing leaves an irreplaceable void in their hearts.

Stevens’s family would like him to be remembered as making his part of the world a little better by his presence. He made a difference!

He was always HAPPY.

A memorial service is to be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to Trinity County Animal Shelter or to the Weaverville Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 447, Weaverville, CA 96093.

Arrangements are being made by Trinity Alps Funeral Home.

“Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord … forever.” Psalm 23:6

03/09/2026

Beth Anne Bauer passed away on March 2nd. She leaves behind her husband Mark Goldsmith and their children Joanna and Benjamin Bauer-Goldsmith, brother Rick and sister-in-law Debbie, a large and loving extended family, and dear friends Doris Hein, Julie Feely, Jill Richards, Maria Cargill and many, many others.

Beth grew up in LaPorte, Indiana with her parents Bob and Liz and brother Rick. As a young lady she fearlessly traveled the world, studying in Spain and teaching English as a Second Language in Costa Rica, Indonesia and Portugal. She returned to the US and traveled throughout the country in a VW van before launching her second career as a wildlife scientist. She met Mark while they were studying spotted owls together for the Forest Service in McCloud, California, and he fell head over heels in love with her. They married in 1994, then she began her third career as a devoted mom to their children Joanna and Benjamin, and made many more friends while working at the Main Street Gallery and Trinity County Library in Weaverville.

She was a lovely soul, so full of fun and life and ready for adventures. She loved to travel, read, sing in her choir, have wine with her book club, visit her daughter in Montana, and listen to the birds from the backyard porch swing. Love is not a big enough word for how we felt about her. We will miss her terribly.