Obituaries for June, 2025

August 1, 1953 - April 25, 2025 David Arvell Hutchinson was born to Carol Josephine Seibert and Norman Arvell Hutchinson in Reno, Nevada on August 1, 1953, where he joined sisters Connie and Kerry at home, and later joined by sister Laurel. His parents later divorced, and his mother left Nevada as her new husband was in the military. David and sister Kerry stayed in Reno with their Dad. During this time sisters Andrea, Laurel and brother Derrick moved to Montana with their mother. Many years later sister Eren was born. While growing up, David spent many hours in the garage his Dad owned learning how to repair and maintain diesel trucks. Later learning how to drive them to make deliveries. During this time he developed love and respect for the trucks he worked on and drove. After graduation from high school, he joined the Nevada Air National Guard. With …

Joseph (Joe) Gerald Poche’ Sr, 87, passed at home in Winnemucca, NV on June 11, 2025, after an extended illness. Joe was born on April 10, 1938 to Henrietta Lamoureaux Poche’ and Ned Poche’ Sr in Thibodaux, LA. He was the eighth of ten children. Independent by nature and entrepreneurial at a young age, Joe spent many hours fishing in the bayous, working at the movie theatre, doing housing construction with his father and brothers, and raising rabbits and chickens in the family backyard to sell. Immediately after high school graduation, Joe enlisted in the U. S. Air Force, with his career being in Air Control Warning (ACW) and Air Police. He spent 1 year abroad in Morocco, and 3 years stateside. While based in Morocco, he took Lifeguard Survival Training with the Navy Frogmen. Out of a class of 22, he and another airman were the only ones certified …

Miriam was a wonderful, strong, loving thoughtful person, exceptional Mother and will be dearly missed by many. Miriam Ida Woodward Toland passed away May 22, 2025, just days shy of her 89th birthday. She was born June 3,1936 in Winnemucca, Nevada to Adelle and Harold Woodward of the Woodward Ranch, Dyke, Nevada. Miriam was raised on the ranch with her three sisters, Haroldine, Jo and Delia. She attended the small schoolhouse located right on the ranch and graduated with Humboldt County High School class of 1954. She worked at the Sonoma Inn (present day Winners Inn) while she was in high school, savings funds to attend floral school in Denver, Colorado. Miriam and high school friend Janice both attended the floral school together, starting their own flower shop in Winnemucca. Miriam continued to create flower pieces for friends for many years after selling the shop. She married Don L. Toland …

Beloved wife, mother, artist, and mentor Lynanne Snediker Herrera, age 62, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2025, in Winnemucca, Nevada. Her life was a beautiful reflection of love, creativity, faith, and unwavering devotion to her family and community. Lynanne was born on August 9, 1963, in Jericho, New York, to Graham and Joan Snediker. She is survived by her brother, Glenn Snediker of Mesa, Arizona. Lynanne earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Advertising Art & Design with a minor in Drafting at Farmingdale State College, New York in 1982. She began her career as a Computer Aided Draftsman with Sierra Pacific Power, where she worked for five years. After the birth of her son, Torrey, she chose to stay home to raise him and support her husband, Ignacio “Nash” Herrera. Together, she and Nash welcomed many new families into the area by developing properties along the Grass …

It is with great sorrow we share the passing of Phillip Ross Simpson, a loyal and devoted father, brother and son who died Friday, May 16, 2025 at 67 years old. He was born April 2,1958 in Winnemucca, a small rural community in Northern Nevada. As a young boy he had a wonderful adventurous spirit, being the youngest of four children he was alway mischievous and full of energy. He really enjoyed being outdoors skateboarding, sledding and bike riding with his cousins and friends. After graduating from high school he attended community college to further is education and started his career in casino gaming and management. He embraced the values of hard work and decided to pursue a new career serving many years in the mining industry, retiring from Twin Creeks Mine two years ago. His family came first in his life. His love and support for them was unwavering. …

In Loving Memory of Bruce Rodriguez Bruce Rodriguez, 43, passed away unexpectedly on June 8, 2025. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering dedication to his family and friends. Born on December 19, 1981, in Winnemucca, Nevada, to his beloved parents Miguel and Rosa Rodriguez, Bruce grew up surrounded by the warmth of his close-knit family, including his three brothers, Miguel, Adolfo, and Jose Luis, and his sister, Silvia. Bruce attended school in Winnemucca from childhood through high school, forming lifelong friendships and building a life filled with hard work and generosity. He was blessed with two beautiful children, Diana and Isaac Rodriguez, whom he cherished with all his heart. They were the center of his world, and every moment spent with them was filled with love and laughter. A hardworking man, Bruce dedicated himself to various jobs over the years, including working at Florida Canyon Mine …

Joel Carlson, Age 80, of Winnemucca, NV passed away on June 8, 2025, at Humboldt General Hospital in Winnemucca, NV. Joel was born to Andrew and Elsie Carlson on November 7th 1944, in Philadelphia, PA. Late in the summer of 1964, Joel married the love of his life Kathy, on September 5th 1964, following his graduation with an AA in Animal Husbandry. They had a good 60 years together, while Joel made a career in the cattle ranch industry in California and Nevada. Joel and Kathy raised their family (Sandy, Joel, and Jennifer) in Northern California. Later in life Joel settled in Winnemucca where he continued his Cowboy lifestyle and enjoyed the last several years of his life. When his kids were in 4-H, he was the horse leader, and would haul the kids' horses to shows. One of Joel's best memories was when all the kids and his wife …

In Loving Memory of Tamra McDermond Stoddart November 18, 1954 – May 21, 2025 Tamra McDermond Stoddart, age 70 of Hines, Oregon, passed away Wednesday evening, May 21, 2025. Her warm presence, generous heart, and creative spirit will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege to know her. She was born on November 18, 1954 in Salt Lake City, Utah, a daughter of the late Donald Chase McDermond and Lucile A. McIntosh. Tamra lived a life full of love and kindness towards others. She was the proud and devoted mother of Sam Stoddart and William Stoddart, and her love for them was matched only by the joy she found in her role as “Nana” to her three granddaughters: Ivy Jo, Ava Rose, and Jemma Kate. Anyone who knew Tamra quickly became familiar with the stories and accomplishments of her granddaughters — she never missed a chance to share …

John Keenan passed away May 9, 2025 in hospice care. He was born June 20, 1940 in Tucson Arizona to Margaret and Joseph Kennan. John graduated from the University of Arizona, in Tucson AZ. He worked 30 years for the Bureau of Land Management, the last 26 years as Chief of Operations. John is survived by his wife, Sherrill, son Sean Keenan, grandson Kevin Keenan, Nephew Mike Martinez, niece Lynn Petibone. He was preceded in death by his other son Kevin Keenan. John enjoyed going to Montana in the summer, reading historical books, and shooting. Services will be held July 2 at St. John Bosco Church at 10 a.m. in Battle Mountain, NV.

Please join our family for the funeral service for Jessie Ilene George, PGM. The service will be at 1:00 June 21, at the Masonic Lodge (515 Baud St.) in Winnemucca. There will be light refreshments after the service.

Long time Nevada native, Inez Bria Lituania, age 106, passed away peacefully May 30, 2025. Inez was born September 12, 1918, in Fallon, NV, to Michael Bria and Maria Getto Bria, both immigrants from northern Italy. Inez learned early in her life how to be a hard worker. As a child growing up in Fallon, she and her brother Fremont milked cows by hand every morning before going to school and every evening when they got home. Inez married the love of her life Aurelio Lituania in 1937. Together they worked on the family farm for many years and lived the rest of their lives in Reno, NV. They were married nearly 60 years, until Aurelio’s death in 1997. As a farmer’s wife she continued working hard to help support the family. She gardened, canned fruits and vegetables, raised and butchered animals for food, sewed all the clothes for the …

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Samuel Allen Miller, who departed this life on May 6th 2025 at the age of 51. Born March 10th 1974 in Bozeman, Montana. He moved to Nevada in 1993 where he raised three children. Sam was a devoted son, father, brother, uncle and friend to many. Sam enjoyed the simple things life had to offer from sitting down with friends or watching football with his sons. Many things brought him joy in life but he always told us his favorite was fishing on the river with his dad and grandpa. He is survived by his parent’s, grandmother, sister, three children, two nieces, a granddaughter, two great nieces, two great nephews and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Sam’s unending humor brought joy to everyone around him and to know him was a great pleasure.

Johnny L Ortega was born on October 14th, 1948, in La Garita, Colorado and was called home on May 16th, 2025, in Reno, Nevada. The family moved to Payette, Idaho where John graduated from Payette High School in 1968 and was part of the wrestling team and owned The Paddock Lounge for a time. In 1972 he married the love of his life, Carol P. Ortega, and though they later divorced, they stayed dear friends for the rest of their lives. John eventually settled in Winnemucca, Nevada where he retired from Barrick Gold and then later became a greeter at WalMart where he enjoyed talking to people and giving everyone a hard time before he’d head off to Dotty’s to take his chance at the slots. John enjoyed camping, catching fish and having a good time. You could always find him out “honky-tonkin” wherever he went. He enjoyed playing his …

Lynda Janeen Millsap- Boggie, 54, of Battle Mountain, NV, passed away May 4, 2025. Known for her humor and kindness, she will be deeply missed by her friends and family. Born in Montclair, CA in 1970 to Mayford and Patricia Millsap, Lynda spent her early years fishing and camping outdoors with her parents, siblings, and grandparents. In her childhood, she fostered her love for Anne of Green Gables, Little House on the Prairie, and The Sound of Music. After graduating from Don Lugo High School in Chino Hills, CA. Lynda lived in Hesperia and Big Bear, CA. In 2007, Lynda began her nursing career by earning her CNA certification, and she later became a licensed vocational nurse in 2011. For her work at Big Bear Valley Hospital, Bear Valley Hospice, and Battle Mountain General Hospital. Lynda will be remembered for her attention to and affection for her patients, particularly those …

Jose Mayoral passed away on May 25, 2025. He was born on April 14, 1972 in Mexico to Maximino Mayoral and Juana Lopez. Jose has been a member of the Winnemucca community for over 21 years. He was a very dedicated worker, he most recently worked for The Pig as a cook. He was very fond of those whom he worked with over the years. He was devoted to his family and genuinely enjoyed being around his family. He had a Monday Night tradition of going to the movies at Park Cinemas with his grandchildren. Jose always believed in helping people and loved to help others. We are humbled that even in his passing he still continued to give to those in need, giving life through is death. Jose was an organ donor and we pray that the recipients of his gifts live long, happy and healthy lives. We hope …

Philip (Phil) James Benolkin, a devoted wildlife biologist, conservationist, and beloved member of the Lovelock, Nevada, community, passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on May 12, 2025. Phil was born on April 1, 1937, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Charles Peter Benolkin and Marie Kevlin Benolkin. His early years were spent in Minnesota before his family relocated to the Vancouver, Washington, area. They eventually settled in Long Beach, California, where Phil graduated from Saint Anthony High School. He often regaled his family with stories of those years in Southern California. He witnessed the November 2, 1947, short flight of Howard Hughes’ massive Spruce Goose plane in Long Beach Harbor and would recall his boyhood excursions to an undeveloped Malibu area to hunt deer by bow and arrow in its steep ravines. Phil had scores of wonderful stories from his lifetime, and he rarely repeated one. He would start a …

William Patrick Burge, age 81, passed away quietly at home on April 19,2025. Bill was born February 23,1944 in Londonderry North Ireland to William Bryon Burge and Mary Josephine McCann Burge. They came home to America in 1945 and settled in Portland, OR where Bill attended Catholic schools. Upon graduation he joined the Navy in submarine service. In 1966 he married Pulou Tauvaga in Hawaii. They had 3 children, Robert, Sherri, and Jeff. They later divorced. In 1971 Bill married LaVonna Lufkin in Winnemucca, NV., and they reported for duty aboard the USS Halibut. This special projects boat took part in one of the most critical spy operations undertaken during the cold war. While Bill was aboard the Halibut, they made their home in Napa, CA where Kelly and Joe were born. In 1979 the family moved to Moscow, ID where Bill had shore duty at the U of I …

Roylene Carol Warnock Burson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2025, surrounded by her family. Born on October 26, 1945, in Quincy, California, she was the daughter of Lorella Betty Dona Schwindt and Roy Charles Warnock, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also the cherished sister of Lee Stephens and Rex Stephens, who both preceded her in death. Roylene married the love of her life, Robert Pilon Burson, on August 21, 1965. Together, they had two children: Robert Pilon Burson Jr., born on March 12, 1966, who passed away a day later, and Cynthia Denise Burson, born on December 6, 1970. In September 1981, Roylene and her family moved to Winnemucca, Nevada, where they continued to grow in quiet strength and deep faith. Roylene worked for seventeen years at Valley Church, where her presence was felt by …

Born July 3, 1945 Died May 1, 2025 Per her request no services will be held. She’s survived by her children, her grandchildren, her sisters, and numerous nieces and nephews.

On May 17th, 2025, an amazing husband, dad, and Papa passed away at his home at the age of 78. Ronald Lee Chesser was born on December 4th, 1946 to Raymond and Betty Chesser in Winnemucca, NV. He met his future wife Joan Howard, who at the time was 3 months old when their dads co-owned one of the service stations on Main St. He was raised in Winnemucca and attended the Grammar School, and Humboldt County High School, graduating in 1964. During his high school years, you would find him working at the Shell Station owned by his dad on Winnemucca Blvd. He attended UNR and worked for Sierra Pacific Power in Reno until he was drafted into the US Army in 1966. From 1966 to 1968 he served proudly in the US Army stationed in Germany, then Vietnam. He returned home in January 1968, and married the love …

Ray Leon Olsen II passed away on May 6th, 2025 at his home in Winnemucca. He was 82 years old. Ray was born on September 19, 1942, in Salt Lake City, UT, during the dark days of World War II. As the first of four children his mother and father relied on him to help raise his younger brothers and sister. Living in Layton, UT he learned to ride horses and “cowboy” when he was just 7 years old. Then as a teenager in Salt Lake City he took flying lessons, earning a pilot’s license at 17. After graduating from Highland High in Salt Lake City, he followed his father and grandfather into the US Navy serving first as a corpsman in San Diego and later as a quartermaster aboard the USS Ashtabula. Returning home to Salt Lake City in 1964, he met and married his first wife, Carol Ann …

Richard Allen Pangburn, of Lovelock Nevada, passed away suddenly on April 9, 2025 at the age of 61. Richard was born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma to Bob and Wilma Pangburn on February 11, 1964. Richard spent most of his childhood growing up on the family farms in Eden and Parma, Idaho, moving to Winnemucca with his younger sister and parents in 1983. He eventually made his home and raised his children in the country, a few miles from Lovelock. Richard lived his life on the edge, preferably on a Harley motorcycle or a Honda dirt bike. He was a skilled mechanic and a man of high intelligence who had the most adventurous stories. He leaves behind, his best friend and daughter Samantha, stepchildren Richard, Nichole, and Crystal and a Granpitty named Sweetheart. His daughter was his world, and everything he did until the day he died was to make sure that …