crashes and dashes

orders of magnitude.

For many sellers the money was a welcome reward for a job well done (and, likely, reimbursement for themselves and their parents for everything that went into raising the livestock for the better part of a year); for others, the sales went deeper than just spending money.

As the auction kicked into full swing, Jace Gordon was recovering from injuries sustained in a car crash the week prior that had reportedly seen the Camino Go-Getters 4-H club member life-flighted for treatment.

After the auctioneer shared Jace’s story with the crowd buyers dug deep and bid their way into a three-way split of the hog at a whopping $50 per

— try to keep your shoes on for the wheelbarrow races

Nearly 90 participants pushed, pulled and even carried wheelbarrows full of sand or “ore” around an obstacle course created on the Placerville Speedway quarter-mile with a pool of $4,200 up for grabs across eight divisions.

Saturday night saw the 79th annual John M. Studebaker Wheelbarrow Races test strength, agility and speed — an El Dorado County Fair tradition. The evening got off to a hot start with the youngest attendees racing for bags of candy before the youngest official racers took to the track. The crowd’s energy carried through all the way to the main events.

After narrowly missing out on first place in 2022’s event, Ruth Thornton was on a warpath in the Women’s Championship. She handily won the race, taking home the $1,000 prize while seemingly never breaking a sweat.

The Women’s Championship also produced the event’s Most Inspirational award winner — Hannah Alexander. Alexander gutted out the course to a chorus of cheers from the crowd despite losing her shoes to Deep Creek, a mud pit just before the finish line.

The final division of the evening,

Women’s Championship Race winners Josie Rothman, Ruth Thornton and Rashell Veerkamp-Hawkinson, from left, celebrate after weighing in with their load of ore. Rothman placed second, Thornton handily took first place and VeerkampHawkinson took third.

Obituaries on this page are written and paid for by the families or funeral homes. They are edited minimally by the Mountain Democrat. To submit an obituary, call (530) 622-1255, e-mail obits@mtdemocrat.net, fax (530) 344-5092, or visit mtdemocrat.com under “Submission Forms” at the bottom of the website. Include contact information with all submissions.

Roger Holbrook

Oct. 2, 1938 - April 8, 2023

Roger was born in Los Angeles, Calif. His young years were growing up in rural Los Angeles with the freedom of being a kid. In 1954 he moved to Lake Tahoe with his parents and 2 brothers where he attended Tahoe Truckee High School. After graduating high school he joined the Navy for 4 years where he maintained Interior Communications systems on the USS Plumas County LST -1083. He met the love of his life, Bonnie Maitland and they were married in 1960 in Burbank. They were married for over 62 years and had 2 wonderful sons.

After graduating from Cal State Northridge, Roger moved his family of 4 to Placerville in 1973 and remained in the Placerville area for the next 50 years.

In 1974 Roger was hired by the Franchise Tax Board and remained working there for the next 25 years. He made many friends there from the van pool share ride, motorcycle riding group, bicycle riding gang, and golf buddies. He also was an avid motocross enthusiast. In fact, he loved all sports.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Holbrook and Billie Goss Wisdom, step-mother Betty Holbrook and brother Dean. He is survived by his devoted wife Bonnie, sons Darin and Dak, brothers Gary (Dixie), Varney (Ann Marie), Freddy and Scott Wisdom as well as many nieces and nephews.

Roger embraced life. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He was a wonderful husband, father and friend. His spirit and memories live on in our hearts.

Starr Lynn Palumbo (Gaschler)

Jan. 31, 1953 - May 30, 2023

Starr Lynn Palumbo (Gaschler), 70, arrived at her heavenly home in the early morning hours on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. Although Starr’s body is gone, her spirit of adventure, fearlessness and friendship lives on through her family, friends and students.

Born in 1953 to a large German family in Downey California, Starr was an intelligent and motivated woman who was influenced by her parents to have an incredible work ethic and forgiving nature. In her 30’s, Starr fulfilled a lifetime dream of going to college, getting her degree, and earning her teaching credentials. She taught for more than 25 years until retirement. Her students meant the world to her and the reason for her passion for teaching.

Starr always looked at adversity in the face and dared it to defeat her. She was always willing to help others with gardening, cleaning, teaching and was always willing to share stories of her many travel adventures with her husband Jim, friends, family or by herself, so we could all live vicariously through her experiences. Starr was a faithful Christian who created strong friendships within her church and community. Even in the face of her own trials, Starr remained a steadfast, optimistic friend to everyone she knew, many of whom lined up to visit her in her last few months.

Starr will be missed by her husband Jim Palumbo; sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Tracey McPeters, Robb and Tonde McPeters, Emiliano and Therese Palumbo; daughter Donielle Go net and Dave Watson. Along with all her grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins and her many, many friends.

Starr especially loved being a grandmother to Michael III., Alexie, Hailey, Natalee, Gri n, Ella Starr, Andrew and Ryan, often taking them with her on her travels and giving them many memories to carry her with them through the years.

Starr is preceded in death by her father and mother, brothers Lee and Barry and many, many aunts, uncles, and cousins. We know that God is pleased to have one of His beautiful, generous and kind daughter’s back in his arms, but she will be sorely missed by those on earth. We are sure she is now working amongst the heavenly gardens with her precious mother and picking flowers with her beloved niece Evalee.

There will not be a service, but at Starr’s request, in lieu of flowers or gifts, please donate to your favorite charity.

Larry Swafford

Nov. 23, 1940 - May 26, 2023

The Swa ord Family is saddened to announce the passing of Larry Swa ord on May 26, 2023 after a protracted battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Born and raised in Placerville, CA, Larry attended El Dorado High School where he was a proud member of the football team. Following his graduation, Larry held a variety of jobs including building rockets at Aerojet and working as a lineman for the telephone company, but his greatest joy and achievement was his time as a Firefighter and Captain at the Fire Department.

Larry enjoyed hunting with his dogs, fishing, scuba diving, tennis, golf and endurance horseback riding. Above all, Larry was loving and devoted to his family. He is survived by his former wife, Gale, wife, Georgiana, and his children Tracy (Jim), Teresa, Travis (Danielle), and his sister, Sharon. He was a proud grandfather and uncle to his grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Larry will be remembered at a celebration of his life on July 8 from 1:00-4:00 pm in Sierra Room at 471 Maidu Drive, Auburn, CA 95603.

Nancy Silver Needham

April 16, 1936 - June 13, 2023

Nancy Silver Needham, passed away at her home on June 13, 2023. She was born on April 16, 1936 in Sacramento, CA where in high school she met Clyde Needham, who she married April 24, 1954. They moved their family to Placerville in 1968 and enjoyed many years through community, church, and sports. Nancy’s career started at El Dorado High School and then in the healthcare industry, including many years at Marshall Hospital. She had many lifelong friends who she loved spending time with. She was quick to laugh, had an exceptional memory and a gift for parties.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Clifton and Lee Silver, Clyde (2018), son Bradley (2017) and sister Carol. She is survived by her daughter Kaly and husband Larry Campbell and their family, her sister Jan Jackson and family.

The funeral services will be held Monday, June 26 at 10am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 3431 Hacienda Rd, Cameron Park.

Lydia Barrette Sloan

July 23, 1928 - June 8, 2023

Lydia Barrette Sloan, age 94, passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of June 8, 2023, at Ponte Palmero in Cameron Park. She was preceded in in death by her parents, Lydia Barrette Sinclair and William Sinclair, and her husband of 63 years, Charles Austin Sloan Jr.

Lydia was born in Hawaii where she had an adventurous childhood. Her favorite childhood memory was sitting in the yard at Lanikai playing cards under a tent in the rain. She attended Punahou School until relocating to the mainland with her family in 1941, a few months before the bombing at Pearl Harbor. After briefly trying out a farming lifestyle in Washington State, the novelty of milking cows and farming soon wore o and the family moved to Palo Alto, where Lydia lived for most of her life. Lydia attended Palo Alto High School and Stanford University, (as did her husband Charles) graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 1951 with a degree in Political Science. After graduating, she worked at the State Department in Washington D.C. before marrying and raising her family.

Education was important to Lydia’s family, and it was important to her. She read widely, deeply, and often. She was current on politics and events around the world and was sympathetic to the perspectives and su ering of others. While other mothers cleaned house; she read the American Scholar and later added The Economist. She was mentally sharp and intellectually engaged. She possessed an outstanding memory and was telling stories about things few others could remember until the final few days of her life. She led a healthy and active lifestyle with hiking, biking, and gardening.

She is survived by her sister Louisa Cooper (Honolulu), daughters Blue (Phil) Tierney and Catherine Dickson (Steve) Schwarzbach of Placerville, her son David Sloan of Hollister, her grandchildren Laurel Lydia Schwarzbach of Oakland, Kirk (Carl Baloney) Schwarzbach of Washington D.C., Will (Erika Lundgrin) Tierney of Cleveland, and Charlie (Haley Godwin) Tierney of Sacramento. Her greatest joy at the end of her life was seeing her great grandchildren Ansel and Barrette Tierney and Aristide and Lydia Schwarzbach-Baloney. She was very proud of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and felt fortunate to be surrounded by their love.

Darla Jean Estey

Reddin Hernandez

April 21, 1938 - June 1, 2023 facebook.com/MountainDemocrat

Darla was born in Placerville, CA. April 21, 1938, and passed away peacefully in her home with family by her side on June 1. She lived her life to the fullest, 85 wonderful years!!!

Darla had a spit- fire spirit and a beautiful smile that would warm your heart. She loved Placerville and was a very active member in the community, Beta Sigma Phi, Shakespeare Club and was the 2018 El Dorado County Rose. Heaven received a special angel. We love you Darla. Fly Butterfly.

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Brenda June Crain

Jan. 19, 1944 - May 4, 2023

Brenda was born on January 19, 1944 in San Luis Obispo, California. She went to Heaven on May 4, 2023 from Placerville, California.

She was the loving wife of her surviving husband, Ron, of thirty five years. Brenda and Ron met in Dallas, Texas in 1980 and immediately fell in love. They worked together, played together and instantly became one.

Brenda is also survived by her niece, LeeAnne Mila, and her great nephews Colin and Nathan Mila. Brenda graduated from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo with a degree in Journalism. She worked as a training manager for over twenty years at Pacific Bell in San Francisco and The Southland Corporation in Dallas. Upon retiring in 1987, Ron and Brenda got married and moved to Placerville where Brenda bought and owned a feed and grain, ranch supply, and pet grooming business until she sold it in 2005.

Brenda loved nice clothes and jewelry. Everywhere she went she was always dressed to the hilt. She also loved gardening, at one time becoming a beekeeper. But her real passion was animals. She took in strays others had abandoned and provided medical help for people who were not able to take their pets to a vet. She spent a lot of time and took wonderful care of all her pets, from horses to cats, dogs, sheep, ducks and more. She donated unselfishly to wildlife organizations including ASPCA, The Audubon Society, Sierra Wildlife and others.

Brenda’s friends and family will remember her as kind, loving, generous, vibrant and fun loving. We will all miss you.

A memorial service will be held for Brenda on June 24th at 1:00 at the Green Valley Mortuary, 3004 Alexandrite Drive, Rescue, CA 95672. (530) 677-7171

You are all invited to attend a Celebration of Life immediately following the service at our home: 4680 Holm Rd, Placerville, CA.

Anthony “Tony” Kassman

Nov. 18, 1967 – June 7, 2023

Anthony “Tony” Kassman, age 55, of Placerville, CA, passed away June 7, 2023. Anthony was born November 18, 1967 in Sacramento, CA. He was born to Larry Kassman and Lupe Henderson. Anthony moved to El Dorado, CA. in 1979. He graduated from Ponderosa High School then attended ITT Tech. He was great at anything he set his sights on. He was the most generous person we have ever known and he always tried his best to make people happy and if he could help with anything he would. His humor was amazing and his laugh will not be forgotten. He loved his Corvettes and one of the last things he did was be a part of a Corvette run. He enjoyed life to the fullest. He will be greatly missed by everyone.

Anthony is survived by his son Brittin Kassman, his mother Lupe Henderson and his sister Julie Stroup (Denis, Lexi and Derek) and many family members. A service was held at Lake Oaks Senior Community Park, 4280 Patterson Drive, Diamond Springs. CA. 95619, on June 19, 2023 with family and close friends.

Memorial Service

Howard (Jack) Tillotson

A Memorial Service will be held on June 23rd at 11:00 AM at the Green Valley Mortuary, 3004 Alexandrite Drive, Rescue.

Celebration Of Life

James Edward “Chappy” Chapman

April 20, 1942 -November 27, 2022

A Celebration of Life will take place July 1, 2023, 3:00 p.m. at Fausel Ranch, 4881 Hanks Exchange Road, Placerville, CA.

Correction

In the Monday, June 19 edition of the Mountain Democrat, the El Dorado Community Foundation was incorrectly identified as the El Dorado Community Alliance in “Restoring Hope – landing community center for Grizzly Flat.”