Obituaries 9-17-15

Elijah “Bud” Groom
Elijah “Bud” Groom died peacefully at the age of 94 on September 8, 2015, with daughters, Vicky and Kay, at his bedside. A 66-year resident of Cloverdale, Bud was born in Clarksdale, Missouri, and moved to Santa Rosa in the early 1930’s where he lived until 1949. He served with the U.S. Army as a Staff Sergeant in the 115th Engineer Battalion during World War II and was a First Lieutenant in the National Guard until he resigned in 1955.
In 1949 he accepted the position of Secretary of the Cloverdale Chamber of Commerce and brought his wife, Thelma (Carner) to Cloverdale where they lived ever since. In the role of Chamber of Commerce Secretary he negotiated the purchase of the current Citrus Fair Grounds property. He later started a bookkeeping and tax service in Cloverdale and was an active proponent of the construction of the Cloverdale Municipal Airport. In the 1970s Bud became Cloverdale’s City Manager. During his tenure as City Manager the Cloverdale Regional Library was constructed and dedicated. Bud was an active member of the Rotary Club and the Curtis/Sotoyome Masonic Lodge. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, spending most of his retirement years pursuing those interests. He raised a succession of six golden retrievers for hunting and companionship and was a familiar sight driving around Cloverdale in his white pickup with a golden retriever in the back.
Bud is survived by his wife of 68 years, Thelma; daughters, Vicky Groom and Kay Lanier (Bob Gardner); granddaughter, Amber Lanier (Ryan Wood); and great grandson, Olen Lanier Wood. The family would like to thank the staff of North County Hospice and the Villas. At his request no services will be held. If desired, donations may be made in his name to North County Hospice, 205 East Street, Healdsburg CA 95448 or the Green Dog Rescue Project, 10342 Old Redwood Highway, Windsor CA 95492.
Gerald Ernest Price
Gerald (Jerry) Ernest Price passed on Sept. 5, at the Queen of the Valley Hospital in Napa, due to having lived a Jerry Price life. Family and friends will understand that. Jerry was born in Fort Bragg on Sept. 24, 1948 to Harold “Bink” and Joyce (Skrbek) Price.
Jerry was raised in Cloverdale, attending schools and making “unbelievable” memories before joining the U.S. Marine Corps at 17 years old. Upon completing service to his country, Jerry worked at the Geysers for numerous years, mainly as a drilling rig hand. Most recently, Jerry lived at the Yountville Veterans Home, making many friends while serving in many capacities that aided his fellow vets.
Jerry is survived by his son, Cody Price (Linda) and his granddaughters Aria and Indigo of Santa Rosa, son Andrew (Kayla) of Cloverdale, brother Richard and sister Cindy of Cloverdale. Jerry’s ex-wife, Linda Price of Santa Rosa, remained a loyal friend throughout his life journey.
Jerry’s ashes will be scattered as requested. There will be a celebration of life in October, in Cloverdale. Jerry will be missed by many. As his family said, “He is at peace, at last.”