Orland resident Norman Scott Benedict died in Chico on Saturday, August 24, 2024. He was born in Artesia, Calif., to Kenny and Patricia Benedict on September 27, 1953.
After faithfully serving his country in the Army, he became a certified welder and fabricator. He used these skills for 45 years as a loyal employee for Ponci’s Welding in Orland.
Survivors include his brothers JR and Steven (Carol) Benedict; nephew Rick (Tera) Barnes; and cousins Christy, Gary, and Richard Barnes Sr.
It is planned that he will be interred in a private ceremony at Chester Cemetery in Chester, Calif.
Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet-Olsen Family Mortuary of Orland.
The Vagos Motorcycle Club insignia features a red representation of the Norse god of mischief, Loki, on a motorcycle. The lettering on the insignia is green.
Glenn County Observer
They were just passing through.
Friday afternoon, August 23, the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office received a call reporting that two motorcyclists were seen drinking beer and urinating behind a dumpster at the Chevron station at Wood and Humboldt in Willows.
The call was received at about 2:03 p.m. According to the sheriff’s log, the unknown caller was worried about the riders after they consumed alcoholic beverages.
Glenn County Sheriff’s Sgt. Grant Lemmon responded to the business.
At about 2:15 p.m., he observed 20 to 30 members of the Vagos Motorcycle Club riding away from the Chevron parking lot.
From there, they were seen getting onto northbound Interstate 5.
Sgt. Lemmon did not see any vehicle code violations.
The Vagos Motorcycle Club, also known as the Green Nation, was formed in San Bernardino in 1964.
It is said to be a “one percenter club,” meaning that it is an outlaw motorcycle club.
It is estimated to have about 4,000 members, mostly in the western United States but also in Canada, Mexico, Europe, and elsewhere.
Along with the Mongols, the Vagos MC is considered to be a “second-tier” group, after what the FBI considers to be the Big Four: the Hells Angels, Pagans, Outlaws, and Bandidos.
Stanley (Stan) Ray Cooper died at his home in Orland on Monday, August 12, 2024, just two weeks shy of 73 years old. The ninth of 12 children, he was born in Clovis, Calif., to Claud and Leona Cooper on August 26, 1951.
He served in the U.S. Air Force from December, 1970, to January, 1978, as SSGT. He was a master printer in Delaware for Standard Register.
He was a member of Moose Lodge 1901. He had strong beliefs, working alongside his brothers and family, helping and stepping in whenever needed. He could do painting, cement, roofing, electrical, and construction.
He loved traveling, history, cars, and cooking. He had a very big heart for young and old. His greatest joy was playing music with family and his many friends.
Survivors include his wife of over 25 years, Doris Longtin Cooper of Orland; children Jeanna (Jason) Kramer of Delaware, Ed (Lety) Barens of Chico, Shelli (Jeffrey) Field of Utah, Stephen Montgomery of Tennessee, Brenda Beech of Colorado, and Charles Roundy of California; brothers Jack (Martha) of Fresno, Randy (Esther) of Stagecoach, Nev., and Rick of Winters; sisters Jane (Don) Hemman of Wentworth, Mo., and Maryanne of Stockton; numerous grandchildren; innumerable nieces and nephews (great- and great-great-); and many friends he thought of as brothers. He loved them all.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Bonnie Mae, and Norma Stansberry; and brothers Claude, Robert, Charles, and George.
A Celebration of Life is planned for 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Glenn County Fairgrounds Cafeteria.
Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet-Olsen Family Mortuary.
After a courageous battle with cancer, Johnny Ray Crowell died peacefully on Wednesday, August 14, 2024. He was born on May 19, 1963.
Throughout his life, he found great joy in fishing, golfing, and hunting, often reveling in the beauty of nature. However, it was through music that he was truly able to express himself.
He was a rock star in every sense of the word, captivating those around him with his incredible talent on the guitar. He would never agree with anyone on that point, but it was always clear that music was not just a passion but a way of life, as natural to him as the air he breathed.
It was through music and his dedication to the bands he performed with – Killatar, Whitewater, and Black Out Betty – that he formed so many lifelong friendships. It was even through music that he found the love of his life, Patti.
He shared 34 incredible years with her, building a life full of love, laughter, and adventure. Whether they were playing music together, taking spontaneous weekend trips, or simply enjoying each other’s company, John and Patti created countless memories that will be cherished forever.
His love for Patti was matched only by his pride in his children and grandchildren, who were the heart of his world. Whether fishing with his youngest grandson, playing guitar with his oldest, singing with his daughters, being goofy with his granddaughters, or cheering at games, his greatest joy was just being a part of their lives, encouraging their dreams, and sharing his passions.
He was known by friends and family alike to have an uncanny ability to fix just about anything you brought him – everything from broken appliances to broken hearts. If you wanted a project brought to life, John was your guy.
Even his imperfections were part of what made him so loved. His sense of humor, inventiveness, and stubborn spirit defined who he was.
His family often joked that his stubbornness was a “Crowell family trait,” but it was that very stubbornness that carried him through his long, courageous battle with cancer, as he fought until the very end.
As strong and unwavering as everything he ever built or mended, he was deeply loved as a husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend.
He may no longer be with us but his love, his spirit, and his music will forever play on in the hearts of all who knew him.
A celebration of Johnny’s life will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 14, at Glenn Golf in Willows. Please come as you are and wear your favorite band tee if you have one.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to his wife’s garden, in tribute of Johnny’s love for the outdoors and his enduring devotion to her, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and music.
After a lengthy illness, Russell Robert Rehse died at his home near Orland on Friday, August 9, 2024. He was born in Willows to Dorothy and Vernon Rehse on February 2, 1951.
He grew up in Orland, the oldest of three boys that included brothers Randy and Dennis. The Rehse boys, along with numerous cousins, enjoyed their childhood years roaming the nearby hills and mountains, working cattle, hunting and fishing.
Russell attended Orland schools and graduated from Orland High School in 1969, where he was involved in various athletics, 4H and FFA. He graduated from CSU, Chico, in Animal Science.
While at Chico State, he lived and worked on the college farm. All his adult life, he farmed and raised cattle.
He was an avid outdoorsman. Some his best days were hunting or fishing with family and friends in many beautiful locations of the western United States and Canada.
He was a member of the West Valley Bow Club and Cattleman’s Association.
In 1984, he married Janene Monroe Barry and gained a stepson, Wes. The following year, Eric was born into the family.
He was an avid Giants and 49ers fan and loved spending time coaching his boys. He had a heart of gold, a great sense of humor and will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Janene; sons Wes Barry (Stephanie) and Eric Rehse; granddaughters Colbie Barry, and Mackenzie and Claire Rehse; brothers Randy Rehse (Patti) and Dennis Rehse (Jerry Jo); and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Vernon Rehse.
A service was to be held on Wednesday, August 14, at the Lutheran Church Community Hall in Artois. Those wishing to make a donation in his honor may choose the charity of their choice. Arrangements were under the direction of Sweet-Olsen Family Mortuary.
Surrounded by her loved ones, Martha L. Beck died in her home in Willows on Monday, July 29, 2024. She was born in Brookland, Ark., to Luther and Faye Brown, on June 22, 1937.
She grew up in Brookland, then moved to Paragould, Ark., where she met her future husband, Glenn Beck. The couple had six beautiful children.
In 1973, she moved with her five youngest children to Laytonville, Calif., where her mother and stepfather lived. She worked on and off, but her number one job was being a mother to her children.
In 1994, she moved to Willows, where her son and daughter-in-law lived.
She is survived by her children, Glenda Clements of Paragould, Ark., Juanita Beck of Willows; Cathy Watts (Gordon) of Laytonville, Calif., David Beck (Elizabeth) of Willows, Donna Beck of Camarillo, Calif.; and Sharon Crawshaw (Nick) of Willows; brother, Charlie Johnson (Maureen) of Laytonville; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
The family plans to hold a private Celebration of Life.
Surrounded by her family, longtime Orland resident Faye Jaquith died on Friday, August 2, 2024. She was born in Anadarko, Okla., to Jack and Jessie Reese on June 12, 1943.
Her family moved to California when she was three years old. She attended Ord Bend Elementary School and graduated from Hamilton High School in 1961.
On April 5, 1963, she married the love of her life, Glenn Jaquith. During 59 years of marriage, she had two daughters, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
She loved her family. They were the most important thing in her life.
She had many hobbies over the years. She loved to sew, crochet, read, and spend time in her yard, where she grew the most beautiful flowers.
She also enjoyed driving around the countryside, taking photographs. Many of her photos were published in The Sacramento Valley Mirror newspaper.
However, her most loved hobby was spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her children Jackie (Steve) Paillon and Terri Finch of Orland; grandsons Michael and Kevin Paillon of Orland; granddaughter Brittney Finch of Lincoln, Calif.; and great-grandchildren Leah and Ashton Paillon of Orland. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Glenn Jaquith, brother Bill Reese, and sister Wanda Jones.
A viewing is scheduled from 12 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, August 22, at the Sweet-Olsen Family Mortuary Chapel at 825 A Street, Orland. Graveside services are planned for 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 23, at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery, 3900 County Road P, Orland.
Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet-Olsen Family Mortuary.
Jane Dell died peacefully in Napa on Saturday, August 3, 2024. She was born on November 9, 1937, and raised in Princeton, where she spent most of her life.
She grew up her daddy’s cowgirl, helping with the cattle and on a horse more often than not. She would share stories of her mother, Charlotte, wishing she would wear dresses and keep her hair in curls, when she was usually in jeans and boots, disheveled from a day of riding and ranching with her dad.
She loved animals and had several dogs, cats, and horses through all stages of her life, and even an occasional bunny or lamb, and more than a few bummer calves. At one point, she had a blind bummer calf named Rudy that she turned into an educational project, touring various local elementary schools and using him as a lesson in overcoming adversity.
She was married to John Young of Princeton and had three children, Tina, Greg and Joe. John and Jane spent time in San Diego and Seattle while he was in the Navy and then moved back to Princeton to raise their family.
She moved to Colusa for several years while married to Walt Griffith, where she got to relive her cowgirl dreams. Her grandchildren fondly remember bottle feeding calves, riding horses, learning about leather tooling and taking plane rides with her during this time.
She moved back to her childhood home in Princeton to be with her father, Ross Campbell, in the 1990s, and her other passion in life flourished. She was hired as a teacher’s aide (for the second time) at Princeton Elementary School and worked there for several years, and later working at Willows Middle School.
She loved her job and cared for her students long after they graduated. Hundreds of Princeton and Willows kids called her Grandma and claimed her as their own. The very day she died one of her former students actually showed up at her doorstep to say hello and check in, nearly 20 years after he graduated.
While back in Princeton, she met her third husband, Alan Dell, and they enjoyed more than 21 years married together. She often joked that she was a cradle robber, being that lucky number 3 was 12 years her junior.
Al and Jane enjoyed time on the river fishing, and took up hobby farming, delivering fresh vegetables to much of Princeton from their ever-growing garden. They had chickens that became pets; and never knew a stray. They had several cats and dogs at all times, and always a horse or three.
She loved a spicy book, a laid-back party, and a cold beer.
She is survived by her third husband, Alan Dell of Princeton; daughter Tina (Ben) Gordon of Princeton; son Joe (Audrey) Young of Yuba City; brother Jim (Cindy) Campbell of Princeton; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
A graveside service is set for 10 a.m. on Friday, August 16, at the Princeton Cemetery. Following the service, a celebration of life for her is planned at Ben and Tina Gordon’s home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please consider donating to Friends of the Colusa County Animal Shelter in honor of her love for all animals, or the Princeton Elementary School to help her beloved Princeton Eaglets.
The Glenn County Observer 