Obituaries for January, 2025

Norman Darrell Sweeney passed away peacefully at his home in Winnemucca NV on January 16, 2025. Norman was born in Cedarville CA on September 14, 1946 to mother Grace (Stiner) Sweeney and father Leithead “Doc” Sweeney. He was the youngest of 4, joining sisters Colleen and Nelda, and brother Gordon. Norman attended Cedarville Elementary school, graduating from Surprise Valley High School in 1964. He received a BS in Mechanical Engineering from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) in 1998. He attained his black belt in Judo and became an instructor while at Cal Poly. The home he shared at Cal Poly served as a gathering place for Modoc students. He also attended Lincoln Welding School to refine his fabrication skills. Norman was known for his intelligence, diligent work ethic and sense of humor. He started working for Kober’s Store in Cedarville during his 7th grade then …

Kathryn (Kit) April VanEeten passed away on January 11, 2025, at her home in McDermitt, Nevada. She was born on March 5, 1955, in Portland, Oregon to Juanita and Dewey Phillips. She was the youngest of 4. Kit lived most of her life in Oregon. She married Joe VanEeten in 1985 in Tofino on Vancouver Island. Blending their two families together. The family moved to Nevada in 2003, where her and Joe would live for the rest of her life. Kit loved flowers, gardening. She loved yellow roses, sunflowers and feeding the birds, especially her hummingbirds. She enjoyed reading Stephen King novels and cooking and taking care of her family and pets. She loved her Christmas Village and her snowmen; she was decorated for Christmas all year long. She always made sure her family had a hot meal every night and she always sent snow kisses when the first snow …

Funeral service to be held Saturday January 25 at 11:00 a.m.at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 111 W. McArthur Ave. Winnemucca, NV Service will be in the Chapel with luncheon to follow in the Recreation Room.

Phil Rivera was a committed and loyal husband, father and friend. He was born January 11,1949 in New York, New York to Angelo and Maria Mercedes Rivera and died December 25, 2024, at home in Winnemucca, Nevada. He had 3 brothers: Benito, Louie and Roberto Rivera and two sisters: Evelyn and Raquel Rivera. He was passionate about God, Family and Country and counted these his richest blessings. He was known for his listening skills and that meant so much to many. He was a cheerleader and encourager for all he loved and cared about. He served in the Marine Corps. He worked in Restaurant Management, Sales and Mine Transportation. He loved Winnemucca, Nevada and lived here longer than any of the many places he lived over the years of his life. He is survived by his wife, Melinda Rivera, and six children; Kit Eizenga, Mercy Eizenga , Jenni Hans, Erica …

April 23, 1956 — December 11, 2024 Lehi, Utah Our beloved mother, sister and grandmother, Sandra Kaye Wasden Criddle, died on December 11, 2024. She was born on April 23, 1956 in Burley, Idaho, with blue eyes and thick blonde unruly curls. Sandra was a beautiful, independent, and kind sister and daughter, beloved by her parents and siblings. Sandra attended Twin Falls High School before studying Vocal Pedagogy at Brigham Young University. Playing the piano and singing from a young age, she had a beautiful voice and sang a solo for Queen Sofia of Spain as part of a BYU A Cappella Choir directed by Ralph Woodward. She continuously distilled her love of music into her family, her many vocal and piano students, and community youth groups. Sandra was the center of her family – raising eight children to be strong, responsible, and thoughtful individuals. She was a gifted mother, …

S. Jean Ricks Choate passed away on January 6, 2025, at her home in Winnemucca. She was 93 years old. Born on July 7, 1931, in Campbell, Missouri to Shirley John and Evelyn Carter Ricks. She graduated from Campbell High School and moved to Lansing, Michigan where she met the love of her life, Johnnie F. Choate. They moved back to Arkansas after knowing each other for only three weeks and they got married on December 26, 1950. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Las Vegas, Nevada where Johnnie was employed by Southwest Gas in 1955 and in 1962, they moved to Winnemucca, Nevada where Johnnie took a job to run the pipeline for Southwest Gas. Jean was a homemaker. They had 5 of their own children and were foster parents to several foster children. Finally adopting their last foster child. In 1970, when all her kids had started …

April 24, 1947 – January 6, 2025 With a heart full of love, a sharp wit, and a personality too big for this world, Cheryll Jo Bayler (Olson), passed away on January 6, 2025, at the age of 77. Affectionately known to many as “Chubs,” Cheryll was most proud of her title “Nan”, lovingly bestowed upon her by her grandchildren. She leaves behind a legacy of laughter, generosity, fierce loyalty, and unapologetic honesty. Born on April 24, 1947, in Winnemucca, Cheryll grew up embracing the values of hard work, laughter, and speaking her mind. A 1965 graduate of Humboldt High School, she began her career at the Star Broiler and later dedicated many years to the State of Nevada Unemployment Office. Cheryll was a proud supporter of her Basque heritage, instilling its rich traditions into her family — a passion that lives on in the hearts of her daughter’s family. …

Michael Richard Mauldin, 78, passed away peacefully at his home on January 3, 2025, after a long illness. Mike was born on August 18, 1946, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Lennox (Sonny) and Margaret (Montgomery) Mauldin. He grew up in Crescent Valley and Battle Mountain, Nevada, and often fondly shared stories of his family’s adventures living off the land. In his early years Mike worked for Don Sumin at the Battle Mountain Texaco. He also worked with his dad mining and selling turquoise and making jewelry. Mike spent the majority of his career operating heavy equipment in mining, paving and construction. He retired from the Marigold Mine after many dedicated years and was a member of Operating Engineers Local 12. Earlier in his career, Mike worked at the Mercury Test Site and was a crewmember of the Glomar Explorer, which located and recovered a Russian nuclear submarine from the Pacific …

On November 14th 2024 Tabitha Ellifritz passed away peacefully in her home. Surrounded by her family and friends, she fearlessly went to be with her mother, and favorite dog, Sebby. Through the gift of Hospice, she was able to end her battle to simply exist, and instead spend her last days enjoying those she loved. Tabitha was born in Winnemucca to Don and Roz Ellifritz. A short while later she was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. Throughout her youth, she was able to live a mostly normal life. She participated in cheerleading and was known for her infectious laugh, and ever positive demeaner. She excelled in academics, both in her primary school years, and at UNR. In 2010 she earned her Civil Engineering degree. After earning her degree, her health began to fail, and she was eventually listed for a double lung transplant. The community of Winnemucca, and the surrounding areas, …

March 9, 1990 – December 20, 2024 Christopher Scott Shephard was born on March 9,1990 in Winnemucca, Nevada. He passed away on December 20, 2024. He is survived by his wife Mercedes, his four children Julian, Malina, Christopher, and Everley, His parents, Jonathan (Tina) Shephard and Tamra (Doug) Jones, Brothers, Allexander (Yvonne) Shephard, Danniel (Staci) Shephard, Sister, Madison Shephard, Step-brothers, Daniel (Erin) Gabriel, Robert (Jolene) Gabriel, Matthew Webb, Step-sister, Marci (Mike) Moore and numerous nieces and nephews. Christopher grew up in Winnemucca and was a graduate of Lowry High School. He married his first wife Chelsey and they had two children, Julian and Malina. He met and married his second wife Mercedes and they had two children, Christopher and Everley. He loved life and enjoyed spending time with his family. We are all saddened by his untimely departure from this world. A Celebration of Life will take place at a …

Lola Marie VanSickle Matteoni passed away on December 30, 2024, in Winnemucca, Nevada. She was born on November 6, 1935, to Lester VanSickle and Wanda Walker. There are no services planned at this time. A formal obituary will follow in the coming weeks.

Anne Mabel Shepler passed away on December 30, 2024, at her home in Winnemucca, Nevada. She was born on May 19, 1944, to Kerwin and Frances Foley. She was born and raised in Reno, Nevada and graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with her bachelor's degree in Speech Pathology. After college, Anne took a three-month biking trip through Europe. She loved to travel and experience new places. She lived in Bakersfield, California and Lake Isabella, California. She worked for the Kern County Superintendent of Schools, while there. She married Arthur “Dan” Shepler on March 6, 1971. The two were married for 53 years.And shared 2 children, Alice Guzouskis and Susan Shepler. The family moved to Winnemucca, Nevada in 1980, where she made her forever home. She worked for the Humboldt County School District and eventually retired. Anne was a member of the United Methodist Church. She enjoyed tennis, swimming …