_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Erica LaRae Ruston, 36, of Cave Junction, died Dec. 30, 2024 at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center. Arrangements with Hull & Hull Funeral Directors.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Tom Owenby, 72, of Grants Pass, died Dec. 27, 2024 at his home. Arrangements with Hull & Hull Funeral Directors.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Michael Jack Beeler was born Dec. 2, 1965. He left this earth Dec. 27, 2024. He was 59 years old. He was a resident of Cave Junction where he was a hemp farm operation manager. Michael was born in Hawthorne, Calif. and moved to Goleta, Calif. shortly after. A place where he would forever call the unicorn land and the best place to grow up. Michael wore many hats throughout his life, but his favorite job was being the father to four wonderful and loving children. Jessica, CJ, Nicole and Cassidy. They all shared an individual bond with their father that was so endearing to watch. Besides a father he was a grandfather to eight wonderful kiddos. He was known as the cool and funny Uncle at any family event. Where his personality would shine. He was the guy who would make anyone laugh and have the biggest smile. He always made the room brighter. Michael is survived by his loving partner Mandy Williams who held his hand every day during his fight with cancer. He leaves behind his sisters and brother Heidi, Jackie, Jeffery and Janis. His lovely and loyal rottweiler, Rosie. If you were lucky enough to meet Michael or have him in your life you know how special, he was. He was filled with love and good cheer to the end and surrounded by pure love. He is preceded in death by his parents Jack and Charlene Beeler. May you go on your journey and look upon all those that love you.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
John David Pappas May 14, 1944 – Nov. 15, 2024 John Pappas, an exceptional attorney, accomplished pilot, and adventurer, passed away on Nov.15, 2024, at the age of 80.
Born in Joplin, Missouri, in 1944, John grew up in Wichita, Kansas, before moving to Southern California after high school. There, he met and married the love of his life, Betty. John attended East Los Angeles College, where he was elected student body president. He then joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department as a deputy and later worked as a bailiff in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. After passing the California Bar, John and Betty moved their family to Bellingham, Wash., where he established a successful law practice from 1974 to 1985.
John was also an accomplished pilot who traveled the world in various aircraft. He founded “DreamFlight” with his Douglas Aircraft DC-3, affectionately named Rose. Together with Betty, he showcased Rose at airshows across the United States. One of his most memorable achievements was piloting Rose over Nellis Air Force Base during a World War II reenactment, where the U.S. Army’s Golden Knights parachute team jumped from the aircraft. Earlier this year, John was awarded the prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award by the FAA in recognition of his lifelong contributions to aviation.
In 1985, John and his family returned to Southern California. They later moved to Cave Junction in 2012, where he and Betty retired.
John is survived by his wife, Betty daughters Arminda, Jennifer, and Carleen; sons James and Matthew; and brothers Clifford and James.
He is reunited with his daughter Amy, grandchildren Victoria, Nicholas, and Sebastian, and other loved ones who passed before him.
John’s life was defined by his remarkable achievements, his passion for flying, and his exceptionalism. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.