Obituaries 10-29-15

Roy E. Miltimore
Roy E. “Bud” Miltimore died on Oct. 7, 2015 at Northbrook Convalescent Hospital in Willits. He was 93 years old. Roy was born in Newport, Oregon, on June 14, 1922. He spent his early years on the Oregon coast, and as a young adult began working in the timber industry as a timber faller. This would lead Roy to the coastline, into Northern California, eventually setting in Cloverdale. In his life, Roy was a World War II veteran, who served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and also served nine years as a volunteer for veterans by driving the passenger transport van from Ukiah to Fort Miley in San Francisco. His eldest son, Michael E. Miltimore, preceded him in death in 2006. He leaves behind his wife, Leona, of 68 years; his daughter-in-law Nancy Miltimore of Willits; his two children, Sherrie Dogali and husband Gary of Redwood Valley, Ed Miltimore and wife Linda of Cloverdale and his grandchildren, Michele Martinez (Jesse) of Okiah, Michael Miltimore Jr. (Megan) of Willits, Deno Dogali (Kayte) of Redwood Valley, Dana Baker (Matt) of Willows and Eddie Miltimore of Cloverdale. He will also be greatly missed by his great grandchildren, Brayden and Elise Martinez, Ryan Miltimore and Baby Baker.
Judy Guist
With family by her side, Judy Guist died on Saturday Oct. 17, after a long battle with COPD. Judy was from Ladysmith, Wisconsin. She always had a desire to work in convalescent care. She began her career as a housekeeper in a nursing home while raising three children and a husband. With vigor and strength like no other, she went back to school and acquired her GED. She eventually came out to California where she continued her education from health aide, to CNA, and finally to valedictorian of her class, becoming an LVN. When she was not studying or working, she spent her time sewing kites to make the extra money needed to get herself through school. The only thing that Judy loved more than her work were her children and her grandchildren. Her candy bowl was always full for when loved ones would come over. Every Christmas she would be giddy putting together baskets for the families and gifts for the little ones. She would make homemade goodies and would search for the perfect gifts. She loved Christmas and she enjoyed watching gift opening as much, if not more, than the person opening the gift. She never missed a birthday. Even when the grandchildren far outnumbered her, she remembered. And for her children, there was at minimum a phone call with the singing of happy birthday. Not a birthday passed where she didn’t sing happy birthday to her children. Judy was preceded in death by her husband Jake Guist, sons Stacey and Mark, daughter Tammy and brothers Joe, Richard, and Bob. She is survived by her sisters Karen Moore and Mary Ann Brigham, and her daughter Launa Chavez. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and hundreds of grateful family members of patients she had taken care of in her work. The family was often told of how Judy had helped loved ones while she cared for them at various convalescent centers where she had worked. Judy will be severely missed. She was the matriarch of the family, taking care of others when they were unable to take care of themselves. She worked hard and she loved hard. She deserved far more than what life handed her, but she persevered. She was a true champion. In lieu of flowers and cards, the family asks that donations be made to the Cloverdale Senior Center. Services for Judy will be held at a future time.
Walter Edward VanSant
Walter Edward VanSant, born on July 24, 1946, died at the age of 69 on Oct. 15, 2015, at Ukiah Valley Medical Center. Walt was born in Redding to Lina Mae Griffin and Walter VanSant. He spent his younger years in Louisiana and his latter half in California. He loved his job as a truck driver. He started out working at Barnes Lumber, then went to Cooper Trucking and retired with Foster Lumber Yard due to declining health. Walt is preceded in death by his wife Janice, his two children Kevin and Tonya Ann and his parents. He is survived by his partner and best friend of 34 years Phyllis Darlene Evans, his daughter Debbie VanSant, his son Walter Evan VanSant, his stepdaughter Kimberly Richardson, his sister Clara Taylor and his nephews Mel and Leon Wyatt. Walter’s later years were spent enjoying and loving his grandchildren Ethan and Savanna Belford; his world revolved around them.