It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Catherine Gail Blake (Sanderson). Catherine entered into the world on September 8, 1948, the fifth child of Antone and Lucille Sanderson. Catherine left this world and began her journey on February 10, 2025 leaving a legacy of love, courage and commitment that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Catherine (Chachie or Cats as we lovingly called her) was an exceptional person who truly embodied the qualities of both her parents, getting humor and gardening skills from her dad and kindness and love for her family from her mother. She was a loving mother to her two children, Virgil Blake Jr. and Anjulie White, and was always so proud of their accomplishments.

Catherine grew up in Hoopa and attended Hoopa Elementary and Hoopa High schools. During her Freshman year she attended Saint Johns Indian School in Arizona She loved fishing and riding her bike with Steve, swimming with her sisters, and working in the garden with her dad. Later she discovered the love for softball where she was the catcher for the Hoopa Coyotes. She was a person who loved with all her heart and would do anything to help anyone.

Although Catherine lived in Sacramento, she still remained connected to the Hoopa Valley and her roots. She loved gathering blackberries, huckleberries, and mushrooms. Although Hoopa was home, Catherine was so proud the day she purchased her brand new 4-bedroom house in Marysville, Calif. She would spend endless hours decorating and working in her beautiful yard. She grew vegetables every year, her prize was her Meyer lemons of which her family all enjoyed.

Her home became the center of travel, doctors appointments, or just a getaway. She was never hesitant about opening her beautiful home to all who needed a place to stay after a long trip or just to hang out. She hosted family Thanksgiving dinners for her kids, grandkids, sisters, nieces, nephews and anyone who wanted to join in. She always returned home to Hoopa for Christmas to be with her extended family. She was truly Santa Claus making sure everyone had a gift and that her grandchildren had whatever they asked Santa for and would spend hours wrapping those gifts and decorating her house. Catherine was truly a person who loved with all her heart and will be deeply missed.

Catherine is survived by her children Virgil Blake Jr. (Jana B.) and Anjulie White and grandchildren Brittney James, Noelle Blake (Noah R.), Hunter Meeks (Tyler M.), Taryn Van Sweden (Trent VS.), Virgil Blake III, and Inessa Bartholomew and great grandchildren Nylah Ramirez, and River Meeks. Her siblings Erma Marshall (Vernon M., deceased), Denise Ruiz, deceased (Frank R.), Antonette Pratt (Robert P., deceased), Marylou Davis (Francis D.), Stephen Sanderson (Cindy S.), Lorelee Jordan (James D.), Jolene Gates (Charles G.).

Her Celebration of Life is being held at the Hoopa Valley Fire Station on May 24, 2025 at 2 p.m. She requested that this a be joyous and happy time like on of her Thanksgiving get togethers. Her remains will be placed between her mother and father at the Hoopa Valley Cemetery.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Catherine Blake’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.