F.D. Sweet and Son

06/09/2026

Obituary For Doris Jean Martin
Doris Jean Martin, 94, of Willows, CA, died May 30, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family and caregivers.

Born in 1932 in Black Hawk, SD to Margaret Dunn Hirz and Harry Hirz, Doris was the fourth of 11 children. When she was 3 months old her family moved to the Dunn homestead near Lusk, WY. When she was 14 the family left the homestead and moved by train to Colfax, CA.

Doris graduated from Auburn High School and went on to Providence School of Nursing in Oakland, CA where her classmates selected her as their delegate to attend the 4th Annual Nurses Convention in Chicago, Il. She earned her Registered Nurse diploma in 1954 and took a nursing job in Fortuna, CA.

She married Robert (Bob) Martin at St. Dominic's Catholic Church in Colfax, CA in 1955 and moved to Willows, CA where they operated a dairy and went on to have nine children. Raising her family was her priority, her pride and her greatest joy. She was almost always home, especially when her children got home from school. She cooked and served three balanced meals a day, many of them packed as lunches to-go. An excellent baker, her cookies, cakes and potato puff buns were known throughout her community.

Doris was an excellent seamstress although with nine children most of her sewing time was spent patching jeans and hemming skirts.In addition to her family responsibilities she had several roles in operating the dairy including the bookkeeping and raising 20 replacement heifers every year. She supported her children in 4-H and FFA which helped instill in them her values of hard work and doing a good job. She kept a lovely flower garden, a full cookie jar and many shelves of canned fruits and jams. A generous person by nature, she shared her abundance with many.

After raising her family Doris became more involved in St. Monica's Catholic Church with membership in YLI and on the church finance committee. Her experience of feeding a large family was put to use in service to her community where she helped with church breakfasts, organizing meals for funerals and cooking for many other functions.

She was always one to share, even her own blood. A regular donor at the Red Cross blood drives, she was awarded Lifetime donor status. When she could no longer donate blood her baked goods continued to grace the snack table at the blood drives.

Doris was a longtime member of the VFW Post 1770 Auxiliary where she served on the board for many years.

She joined the Harvard Nurses Health Study (NHS) in 1976 and participated until the end of her life.

Doris, also known as Grandma Goose, loved attending her grandchildren's school events and joyfully welcomed each new addition to her large family.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Robert Martin, her parents, all seven of her sisters and two of her brothers.

Her legacy of treating others with kindness and generosity lives on in those who survive her including all nine of her children, and their spouses: Paul Martin (Tina), Suzan Couto (Frank), Carl Martin (Sharon), Barbara Eikmeier (Dale), Dale Martin (Carol), Lain Martin (Sandy), Yvonne Mayberry (Craig), Dean Martin (Susie) and Dora Martin, plus 20 grandchildren, and 31 great grandchildren with three more on the way. She is also survived by her youngest brother, Ralph Hirz.

The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Doris's dedicated caregivers and the compassionate professionals at Butte Home Health and Hospice, especially her nurse, Candis.

We will celebrate the life of Doris Martin with a Rosary and Funeral Mass at St Monica’s Catholic Church, Willows, CA. The Rosary will be Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 7 pm. The funeral will be Friday, June 12, 2026 at 11 am. Followed by internment and a reception at the church hall.

Arrangements are being handled by F.D. Sweet and Son in Willows.

06/09/2026

Obituary For Dian Viola Lovins
Dian Viola Lovins was born January 10th, 1958 to Dan and Betty Emery in Willows, Ca. She attended school in Willows where she made many lifelong friendships over the years. Dian had her sons Daniel and DJ Downs, who she cherished very much.

Dian had many jobs throughout the years, including an Emergency Room Nurse and her absolute favorite was flagging and driving through fields of North California with her son Daniel. Dian had many hobbies and was well known for her wreaths and hand crochet towel sets.

Dian is proceded in death by her son DJ . She is survived by her husband John Lovins, Son Daniel Downs, and her brother and sister in law; Dave and Marie Emery, sister Judy Dietz and many other family members.

Dian went to be with the Lord May 28, 2026 after a battle with Cancer. She will be greatly missed.

06/02/2026

Obituary For Shawn Dale Van Gieson
In Loving Memory of Shawn Dale Van Gieson

Shawn passed away in his home on May 23, 2026 with his family by his side. He had been battling cancer for years. He died at the age of 53.

Shawn was born in Paradise, California, on December 23, 1972. For a short time he lived in Durham, Ca as a baby. Then he later moved to Orland; from there he moved to Elk Creek for a couple of years. He eventually moved to Willows, where he went through grammar school at Murdock Elementary. At the age of thirteen he decided to move to Woodland, Ca to live with his father, Thomas C. Van Gieson.

Shawn decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and worked as a mechanic for years. He had met a girl by the name of Becky; he ended up living with her for fourteen years. They never married or had any children. Shawn was in his mid-forties when he moved back to Willows with Becky and his dog Bubba. After living in Willows for a few years, Becky passed away. Shawn had already been battling cancer for some time.

Shawn was a good guy, a good friend; he would do anything for people within his power. Shawn was a loving, caring, and giving person who would open his door to anyone who needed a place to stay. Shawn loved fishing, camping, and yard work; anything to do with the outdoors.

Shawn is survived by his brother, Steven Thomas Van Gieson; his half-sister, Crystal Rose Pfyl; and his mother, Cynthia Pfyl.

We will miss Shawn very much. He was like a ray of sunshine; everything would light up when he entered a room. He was everything you could want out of a Son.

05/21/2026

05/18/2026

Obituary For Brian McClure Close
Brian McClure Close, 75, passed away on Monday, May 4th, at his residence in Willows, California. Brian was born on August 21, 1950 in Oak Harbor, Washington. Brian's parents met while both serving in the Navy. As such, his early childhood was spent moving around before settling down in Pleasanton, California.

In elementary and high school, Brian was active in his local 4-H club where he developed a passion for nature and agriculture. During high school, Brian played football and threw discus for his track team. After high school, he attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and then transferred to Chico State where he earned a Bachelors degree in animal science.

After completing an education program he started working for Elk Creek High School, where he spent his entire teaching career teaching agriculture. He also coached girls volleyball, softball, and basketball, leading the girls to several league championships.

In his free time, Brian could often be found on the golf course, teeing up with friends and family. It wasn’t all fun and games though. Brian was often the first to arrive at the Elk Creek Volunteer Fire Department whenever an emergency occured. (Though that may be because he lived across the street from the station.)

He is survived by his wife Karen, their three sons: Garret, Elliot, and Parker, his brother Victor Close, many inlaws, and numerous nieces and nephews whose lives have been enriched by his kinship. Brian was preceded in death by his sister Kathleen and his brothers: Bruce, Kevin, and Mike Close.

Per Brian’s request, no services will be held. Brian’s family appreciates your thoughts and prayers during this time. He will be forever loved and remembered.

04/19/2026

Obituary For Ola Jane McClain
Ola Jane McClain, born Ola Jane Coleman was born on November 5, 1947, in San Francisco, California to her loving parents, William H. Coleman, Sr. and Laura Lee Coleman (Bradshaw). Ola was the sixth of eight children, and grew up in the Richmond Bay Area.

Ola was preceded in death by her parents, and her siblings, Katherine Young, Mildred Cornelious, Doris Walton, William H. Howard Coleman, Jr., Noble Coleman, Laura E. Woods, and Lillie Conner. She leaves to cherish her memory, the love of her life and husband of 58 years, Larry McClain Sr., her beloved son and daughter, Larry McClain Jr. (Shannon), and Monica Haman (Galen); grandchildren Olivia Johnson (Steven), Marcus McClain, Ava Haman, Jenna Haman, Leah Haman & Emma Haman as well as many nieces, and nephews.

Ola grew up in the Easter Hill Methodist Church in Richmond,California participating in many youth activities and went on to lead and direct the Youth Choir. She graduated from Harry Ells High School and was the first of the family to graduate from college with a Bachelors of Science degree from California State University, Hayward, in 1973. She
later earned her Masters Degree from University of San Francisco.

Ola began teaching at the Marilyn Avenue Elementary School in Livermore, California in 1968, then moved to Willows where she was the first African American to teach in Glenn County. She supported her community by teaching English as a Second Language while also teaching Special Education at Princeton High School. Ola then taught at Willows Elementary School, completing a forty year teaching career. During her career Ola received multiple Teacher of the Year Awards and was constantly recognized for her contributions and achievements.
As an avid sports fan, Ola followed all sports games, primarily football, basketball and her favorite sport baseball. She watched and attended a plethora of games, with season tickets for the Oakland Raiders, (while they were in Oakland), closely following the Oakland A’s, San Francisco 49ers and the Warriors; attending games out-of-state as well as locally.

While these are milestones and just a glimpse of Ola, she had a life full of family, friends, grandchildren and great
grandchild, laughter and mostly love. Ola will live on in the hearts of those who knew her and loved her.

04/13/2026

Obituary For Robert B. Pellizzari
Robert B. Pellizzari September 28, 1933 – April 2, 2026

Robert “Bob” Pellizzari, 92, of Willows, California, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026, in Folsom California surrounded by love and care.

Born in Palo Alto on September 28, 1933, to John and Mary (Simonini) Pellizzari, Bob’s adaptability was shaped early on. At age eight, while his father served in the war, Bob and his brother Albert were raised by their traditional Italian grandparents.

Bob attended Palo Alto High School but often cut classes to go fishing during his senior year (Nonna didn't care). After graduation, Bob served in the U.S. Army, where he had a natural talent for training dogs.

Later he went on to own Bob’s Auto Supply and had a wrecking yard in the back. He jokingly said that he had been recycling for 40 years before it was ever popular.

Besides his work, Bob was defined by his easygoing nature and found joy in the simple things in life. Visiting family, fishing, cycling, and playing cards.

He loved all things Italian, Bianchi and Legnano bicycles and Alfa Ramerò cars. Above all, he cherished time spent at family dinners and never passed up chocolates, pie, or spumoni ice cream.

Bob leaves behind his devoted wife, Rose Marie Thrailkill Pellizzari, and her sons Jim & David. He was preceded in death by Marie Pellizzari, his beloved wife of 52 years, and their son, Jim Pellizzari.

Bob was a loving father to Dan Pellizzari of Redding CA and Lisa Raposa of Folsom CA. A loving grandfather to Casey Pellizzari, Leah (Raposa) Highfill, Jesse Raposa, Jordan Pellizzari and Jamie (Pellizzari) Robertson. Great-grandchildren Aubrey, Addie, Kayden, Kaila, Reese, Cori, Callahan, Macie, and one more great-grandson on the way.

A funeral service will be held at Willows Cemetery. Graveside service on Friday, April 24th at 11:00 am.

Bob wanted to be remembered as good guy and a good father; he was both. His legacy lives on in the stories told around the dinner table.

04/05/2026

Obituary For William Richard Stinson
Wiliam Richard Stinson 65 yrs passed 3/31/26 He was born in Albuquerque New Mexico on 1/24/1961.

He lived in California most of his life, resided in Willows, California the last 3 years. He was an Airforce Veteran and worked most his life as a carpenter and held a State Contractors license up until 10 years ago due to health issues. He loved all Sports (49ers his team), fishing, swimming and BBQ's.

His mother Dianna Massey and Brother David Stinson preceded his death, His Father Charles Kohler is still living , as are his sister's Susan Polk ,Natalie Servello and Rebecca Kohler -Fessey, and 1 Brother Christopher Kohler. He has 5 nephews, 8 nieces, 13 great nephews and 13 great nieces. He loved them all.

You'll be missed "Ricky" LOVE you!