On the first day of the new year, our beloved mother, Ona Darlene O’Neal, peacefully crossed over into heaven, reuniting with family who had gone before her. After a brief illness, she slipped away quietly, surrounded by her loving family.

Ona was born on December 18, 1933, in Skaggs Holler, southwest Missouri, as the fourth of five children to Frank and Lilly Jewell Stephens. During her early childhood, her parents gathered their children and took a train from Missouri to California, settling in Loleta where relatives had found work at the local creamery. The family lived above the old cheese factory in Loleta, moved to Fortuna, and eventually settled in Rio Dell. Ona attended Rio Dell School and graduated from Fortuna Union High School in 1951, where she played trumpet in the marching band.

Throughout her youth, Ona was active in the Rio Dell Assembly of God church. She was musically gifted, playing the piano, organ, trumpet, and accordion, singing in the choir, and teaching Sunday school. She also worked as a telephone operator in Rio Dell.

On December 4, 1954, Ona married Robert O’Neal, the love of her life. Bob was employed at the Pacific Lumber Company, where Ona also began her career, working together in the shipping department’s Bungalow. The couple welcomed their first son, Michael, in November 1956 and made their home in Scotia. Their second son, Gary, was born in September 1960 in Fortuna. The family later moved to a house Bob built in Rio Dell, where they lived until 1971 before returning to Scotia, remaining there until Ona’s retirement in 1993.

Ona’s retirement years took her to Fortuna and Indian Island in Eureka. She traveled back to Missouri and enjoyed several cruises with her good friend Kathy Holt. In 2002, she moved to Michigan to live with her son Gary and his family.

Michelle’s Tribute to G-Buzz

To me, she was more than Ona Darlene — she was Granny Fuzz, G-Buzz, G-Fuzz, and one of the strongest women I have known. She taught me to walk with purpose, appreciate beauty, and show up in the world unapologetically. She inspired my love for jewelry, sparkle, and elegance, and never left the house without her signature purple lipstick and perfectly teased hair. She was bold, glamorous, and unforgettable.

G-Buzz always had a story to share and made everyone feel special. Her musical talent was remarkable — she could play almost anything by ear and made the piano sing, even without reading music. Through her music, faith, and way of living, she taught me about resilience, devotion, and the power of self-assurance.

During her time in Fountain, Michigan, living with my dad Gary and mom Diana O’Neal, she became a cherished part of the community. She was dedicated to the Sugar Grove Baptist Church, playing piano and occasionally leading the choir. She made many friends at the Scottsville Senior Center and was deeply involved in my life and my brother Drew’s — attending our school events, cheering us on, and always making us feel loved and supported.

Ona loved to travel and made friends everywhere she went, always remembering names and bringing back gifts as tokens of her affection. She was faith-filled, fierce, funny, stylish, and endlessly loving, living fully and loving deeply, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew her. I am forever grateful for her presence in my life and the lessons she taught me about strength, beauty, music, and unwavering love. I will always carry her with me.

In 2017, Ona returned to Humboldt County, where her son Mike had also relocated. She lived with Mike and Connie, remained active in her church, and enjoyed her time with friends at the local McDonald’s “Round Table.” In 2024, following a fall at home, Ona moved first to Seaview for rehabilitation — where her cousin and nurse, Deidre, cared for her with remarkable kindness. After a short stay at Frye’s Care Home, she moved to First Choice Care Home in Fortuna, where Linda Taylor and her team provided attentive care. The family is grateful for everyone who went the extra mile for Ona.

Ona was preceded in death by her husband Robert, parents Frank and Lilly Jewell Stephens, brothers Harold, James “Bill,” and Kenny Stephens, her sister Lorraine Waters, nephew Kerry Waters, and daughter-in-law Wanda O’Neal. She is survived by her sons Michael (Connie) and Gary (DeeDee); grandchildren Sean O’Neal (Terra), Shannan Jacobson (Ben), Michelle Runk (Joe), Drew O’Neal (Sheena); and great-grandchildren Devlin (Isabelle), Zayne (Meleah), Griffyn, Hunter (Noah), Ellie, Whittaker, Livy Sue Ona, and Carson. Ona also leaves behind her dear friend Jean Nichols.

Many friends called or visited Ona, and their presence meant the world to her.

A graveside service will be held on January 17 at noon at Sunrise Cemetery, followed immediately by a Celebration of Life at the Scotia Fire Hall. For those wishing to honor Ona’s memory, donations may be made to any local library.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Ona O’Neal’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.