Jonita  K. Gosney, age 90, of Eureka, California, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026, just nine weeks after being diagnosed with small cell lung cancer.

Jonita was born on April 28, 1936, in Eureka, to John and Frieda Ramacciotti. Her unique name was lovingly created by her mother, who combined their names John and Frieda with a creative twist, giving her a name as distinctive and memorable as she was.

Growing up in Eureka, Jonita attended Marshall Elementary and Jacobs Junior High School. She was a bright and accomplished student who excelled academically and was advanced a grade in school. She spent most of her senior year at just 16 years old. She proudly graduated from Eureka High School in 1953, just shortly after her 17th birthday. While attending Eureka High School, she played the drums in the marching band and often joked that she joined primarily for the opportunity to travel to out-of-town football games with the team.

Following high school, she attended Humboldt State College for a year before embarking on an adventure to San Francisco with two close friends. While living there, she worked as a teller for Bank of America. After hearing predictions of a major earthquake, she decided to return to Eureka, where the next chapter of her life unfolded.

Upon her return to Eureka, she continued working for Bank of America and later married her high school sweetheart, Gary Martinelli. Together they welcomed four children: Lisa, Marcie, Scott and Stacy, though they endured the heartbreaking loss of their son, Scott, to SIDS when he was just four months old.

After her marriage ended, she began a new chapter in life working for her friends, Stig and Marilyn Strombeck, who later gave her the opportunity to purchase House of Lynn, a women’s clothing store in Henderson Center. With the support of her parents and alongside her brother, Ron, the family purchased the business for the two siblings to manage. A few years later, she purchased her parents’ and brother’s interest and became the sole owner. She and Ron remained exceptionally close throughout their lives. His passing in 2010 was a profound loss, and she missed him dearly.

Building on the success of House of Lynn, Jonita expanded her retail interests by opening House of Lynn in Crescent City, The Clothing Rack in Arcata, and later became co-owner of The Pocket in Eureka. She was especially known for the weekly luncheon fashion shows at the Red Lion, which reflected her flair for style and her gift for turning fashion into a fun and memorable experience for the community.

As a successful business owner for 18 years, Jonita took great pride in the times her daughters worked alongside her in the store. The time spent together created lasting memories. Her dedication, perseverance, and commitment to her customers helped shape a life in which her children learned to be independent, responsible, and resilient. Through her business, she formed lasting friendships with customers and became a respected and well-known member of the community.

During this time, she met Jack Gosney, co-owner of Eureka Market. They married in 1972 and shared 43 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in 2015. They enjoyed an active social life and were members of Baywood Golf and Country Club and the Eureka Elks Lodge. As a Shriner’s wife, Jonita was active in Daughters of the Nile. They also enjoyed traveling to Hawaii and Mexico. Jonita and Jack especially loved cooking and entertaining family and friends. Christmas was a particularly cherished time in their home filled with laughter, good food, thoughtful gifts and treasured moments around the tree.

Above all, Jonita cherished her family and took great pride in her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Affectionately known as “GG” and “Grandma Gosney,” she found her greatest joy in their happiness and accomplishments. She enjoyed time spent with family, and her love and presence will be missed.

Jonita also enjoyed following the San Francisco Giants, the San Francisco 49ers, professional golf, and loved keeping up with family and friends on Facebook. She will be remembered for her signature Gibson hairstyle, dark glasses, and beautiful complexion. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Jonita was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jack; her infant son, Scott Martinelli; her grandson, Nathan Titus; her stepsons, Michael and Shawn Gosney; her parents, John and Frieda Ramacciotti; her brother, Ron Ramacciotti, and his wife, Sandy; and her in-laws, Clyde and Marion Gosney.

She is survived by her daughters: Lisa (George) Wiegand of Redding, California; Marcie (Cliff) Titus of Ferndale, California; and Stacy Young of Denver, Colorado.

Grandchildren: Jamison and Jesse Golenor; Lucas (Jennie) Titus, Matt (Angelica) Titus, and Nick (Stephanie) Titus; Hannah, Alex, and Kyle Young.

Great-grandchildren:  Trent, Tristen, and Taren; Domenic and Izabel; and Wesley and Isla Titus.

She is also survived by the family of her late stepson, Michael Gosney; her nieces, nephew, cousins; and dear friends Kathy Tillis and Ruby Shubert, whose weekly phone calls brought her joy, laughter, and companionship.

Per her wishes, no services will be held. Jonita and Jack will be laid to rest together in the Ferndale Cemetery.

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

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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Stan Stockhoff on June 5, 2026, at the age of 65.

Stan was a lifelong resident of Humboldt County, with Loleta being his final resting place. He was known and loved by people from all walks of life. Whether they knew him as “Iron Man Stan,” “Stan the Man,” or just simple Stan, he left a lasting impression on everyone he met through his kindness, humor, and larger-than-life personality.

Stan had a deep love for the water and found joy in kayaking and any activity that brought him close to it.

Stan is survived by his brother Tim Stockhoff; his children David Stockhoff, Nicole Stockhoff, and Michael Stockhoff; his niece and nephews Heather Stockhoff, Ryan Stockhoff, and Josh Stockhoff; and many beloved grandchildren. He also leaves behind countless friends and lovers whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

Stan will be remembered for his strength, generosity, his unforgettable nicknames, and the way he brought people together. His memory will live on in the stories shared by family and friends and in the hearts of all who had been privileged to know him.

Memorial services will be announced at a later date.

Though he is no longer with us, Stan’s spirit will continue to shine through the many lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

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

Steve Kelly passed away suddenly at his home shortly after celebrating his 79th birthday. He was born on June 11, 1947, in Longview Washington.

Steve was one of six children. As a child in Longview, he spent time playing with his siblings at Lake Sacajawea and many summers hiking and climbing around Spirit Lake in Mount Saint Helens.

Steve was an avid reader with an insatiable thirst for knowledge. He  inherited, from his father, a keen curiosity on how things worked. He even completed the well-known Evelyn Wood Speed Reading course, a reflection of both his intellectual curiosity and his love of books. In the mid 1960s Steve and family moved to Eureka and grew the family business, Thrifty Supply Company. He graduated from Eureka high school and Humboldt State. He went to the University of Oregon where he earned his degree in physics. His graduate work was done at Pine Mountain Observatory in Oregon.

Over the next 50 years, he became the company’s trusted problem solver and resident expert. Generations of plumbers knew they could count on Steve for answers to difficult questions, hard-to-find parts, and practical solutions. Many would quietly make their way up to his office to pick his brain or seek help and tracking down a special part. His knowledge, patience, and willingness to help made him an invaluable part of Thrifty Supply and a respected figure in the local plumbing community. As the wizard of plumbing, he was known as the “Plumacist “

He spent many years at “The Warehouse,” where life was simple. Always in a blue shirt, his office was shared with numerous cats and the “working lunch” was always Top Ramen. He found comfort in routine, independence, reading books, and working on his property. A private man by nature, Steve enjoyed a life of solitude on his 44 acres in Jacoby Creek. He found peace under the redwoods and a quiet life he cherished.

Preceded in death by his mother, Mary Lou Kelly, and father, Malcolm Archibald Kelly, along with his oldest brother Malcolm Bruce. He is survived by his sister, Sandy and Dan Comer; sister Nancy and Gary Woods; sister Bonnie Von Braun; and and his youngest brother, James; and Gordon Kelly, and partner Craig Wcislo. Besides family, he leaves behind loyal co-workers and regular customers.

Steve will be remembered for his sharp mind, resourcefulness, dry sense of humor, and countless ways he helped others solve problems, both large and small. Past and present employees of Thrifty and customers depended and benefited from his wisdom, kindness, and unwavering dedication to the family plumbing business.

Per Steve’s wishes, there will be no funeral services, but a celebration of life will take place in August.

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

Shirley Nadine Gray was born on January 1, 1947, in Humboldt County, California, and passed away on April 15, 2026.

She was the only daughter of Wiley and Dorothy Gage and grew up alongside her three brothers, Gene, Roland, and Larry Gage. Born and raised in Humboldt County, Shirley met the love of her life, Dennis Gray. They were married on June 5, 1966, and together built a life and raised their family there.

Shirley and Dennis were blessed with two sons, Troy Gray and Kenneth Gray. Deeply devoted to her family, Shirley found her greatest joy in raising her sons and watching them grow into the men they became. She rarely missed a game, event, or accomplishment, always supporting them with love and pride. Her family brought her endless happiness, and the moments they shared together became some of her most treasured memories.

For many years, Shirley was a well-known hairstylist in the community. She owned and operated The Hair Port, where she built a loyal and busy clientele through her talent, dedication, and warm personality.

Shirley enjoyed bowling and participated in bowling leagues and tournaments for many years.

Through bowling, she formed many lasting friendships and created countless memories. The sport brought her great joy and gave her the opportunity to connect with people who remained an important part of her life.

Shirley lived in Humboldt County until she and Dennis retired to Dayton, Nevada, where they enjoyed their retirement together. She continued to bowl and make friends during this time.

Following Dennis’s passing in 2023, Shirley returned to Humboldt County.

Shirley was one of the sweetest and most caring women anyone could know. She was known for her gentle nature, kind heart, and unwavering love for those around her. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, playing cards and cribbage, and sharing laughter and good conversation.

She also loved visiting the casino, where she could often be found playing her favorite slot machine, the Mermaids.

Shirley is survived by her sons, Troy (Annette) Gray and Kenneth (Danielle) Gray; her brothers, Roland (Anne) Gage and Larry (Kate) Gage; her grandchildren, Logan Gray, Kelley Gray, and Grayson Gray; extended grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many other family members who were blessed by her love and presence; and her lifelong friend and chosen sister, Jan (Riddle) Savage.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Wiley and Dorothy Gage; her husband, Dennis Gray; and her brother, Gene Gage.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Linda and her staff at First Choice Care Home. They provided exceptional care and were incredibly accommodating to both Shirley and her family. Their kindness, compassion, and dedication will always be remembered and deeply appreciated.

A Celebration of Life for Shirley will be held in September. Additional details will be shared with family and friends at a later date.

Forever loved, forever missed, and forever in our hearts.

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

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PREVIOUSLY:

• ‘A Nightmare on Replay’: New Lawsuit Accuses St. Joseph Hospital of Denying Emergency Abortion Care to a Woman With Serious Medical Condition

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A judge overseeing one of the lawsuits levied against Providence St. Joseph ordered the therapy records of a plaintiff to be handed over to the hospital’s attorneys today.

The Catholic hospital system is accused of denying emergency abortions and medical care due to religious policy.

Two women and the state of California have brought lawsuits against Providence St. Joseph for alleged denial of emergency care. The lawsuits point to rules prohibiting doctors from terminating pregnancies if a fetal heartbeat is present.

The women have similar stories.

In this case, attorneys from a law firm representing an anonymous “Jane Roe” pro bono accused the hospital of violating civil rights and emergency treatment laws.

Roe was diagnosed with pre-viable preterm premature rupture of membrane (PPROM)  — water breaking prematurely, a fatal condition for each of her fetuses — and the lawsuit alleges the hospital denied her medical care on three occasions.

According to the lawsuit, the first instance required her to drive five and a half hours while in labor to receive care in San Francisco. The second ended with her delivering a fetus in her obstetrician’s primary care office where she “nearly hemorrhaged to death.” In the third, she delivered in a hospital toilet after “19 hours of agony” — in each case after alleged failed attempts to get emergency treatment at Providence St. Joseph.

The lawsuit accuses the hospital of causing her significant emotional distress, stating Roe suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, depression and fear of hospitals due to the incidents in 2021 and 2022.

The key discussion in court today was whether attorneys for the hospital could see medical records from sessions with her therapist.

The hospital’s attorneys delivered a subpoena for the records earlier this year. They sought her complete file from August 1, 2021 to present. But according to court documents, her therapist would not release the records without a court order or signed authorization from Roe.

Speaking over Zoom in court today, attorney for Providence Zoe Ginsberg argued that since the issue of emotional distress was brought up, the “hospital must be allowed to test these claims” by using records from her therapist.

The lawsuit seeks damages and relief on six grounds, including negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Roe’s attorney, Alexander Yusuf, said the prosecution would be happy to provide the records, but sought to first review them for relevance. He proposed two solutions: for Roe to review the documents and provide a log of any records that were withheld to opposing counsel, or for the judge to make the review.

In her lawyers’ objections, Roe’s documents are described as highly personal, and they argue only materials directly relevant to her claims should be shared.

Meanwhile, Ginsberg said seeing complete records would allow ruling out unrelated issues that caused emotional distress, and accused the opposing counsel of not following proper procedure.

Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Timothy Canning said he appreciated the proposed system, but said the procedure for opposing the subpoena wasn’t followed (Roe’s attorneys didn’t file a motion to quash the subpoena) and he ultimately granted the motion to compel the records.

After some further arguments over case law interpretation and process, Yusuf sought the order to be stayed for 14 days to allow for an appeal. Canning granted the request for 24 calendar days.

As settlement negotiations with the state for the related case are ongoing, attorneys indicated the outcome could shape where Roe’s case ends. Attorneys for the hospital are looking first to see the outcome in the lawsuit filed by the state of California before Roe’s case.

Yusuf said they want a trial on Roe’s case and said attorneys for the hospital hadn’t returned mediation efforts.

Providence’s attorney Harvey Rochman said, over Zoom, they aren’t necessarily opposed to a settlement, but as the state enforces the law, it’s necessary to work with the Attorney General’s office first.

The Roe trial remains set for Nov. 9.

According to a spokesperson for the Attorney General’s office, settlement discussions for their case remain ongoing, following a status conference this morning. The next conference is set for Sept. 14, 2026 and, in case a deal isn’t reached, a trial on March 1, 2027.

Uh oh. Apologies to the local government officials who allegedly obsessively monitor r/Humboldt for negative chatter about our beloved county, but dammit, one of Humboldt’s most cherished pastimes is complaining about Humboldt. And that’s OK! Conditions here are often less than ideal, yet for some reason we keep loving the place anyway. 

That said, maybe not everyone treats cynicism as a recreational activity. We’ll entertain the possibility that some of our neighbors are actually feeling pretty good about the direction things are headed. With that in mind, we originally planned to keep today’s poll simple: “Is Humboldt Better Than It Was 10 Years Ago?” But that felt a little too broad. Maybe some parts of the county are thriving while others are suckin’. Let’s try to quantify that, shall we?

Below, we’ve broken Humboldt down by cities and regions for your thoughtful evaluation! Fun!

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Press release from Rep. Jared Huffman’s Office:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) announced news that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) has allocated $21.3 million in fishery disaster funding for California’s Sacramento River Fall Chinook and Klamath River Fall Chinook salmon fisheries.  

The funding is part of a broader $123.6 million nationwide fishery disaster relief package and will provide critical support to fisherman, Tribes, seafood processors, small businesses and coastal communities that have suffered devastating economic losses following California’s 2023 and 2024 salmon fishery disasters.

“This is welcome news,” said Rep. Huffman. “Finally, we are seeing movement from the administration and a commitment to allocate these desperately needed funds. But let’s be clear: it should not take years of congressional oversight, repeated inquiries, and public pressure for an administration to deliver disaster assistance that was reviewed, approved, and awaiting release. This bureaucratic limbo has dragged on far too long. I will continue fighting until these funds are out the door and in the hands of the fishing communities that have spent years waiting for relief.”

This announcement follows Rep. Huffman’s demands for answers from Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, Dr. Timothy Petty, during a June 3rd House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries hearing regarding years-long delays in releasing fishery disaster assistance.
Watch Rep. Huffman Demand CA Fishery Funding Here

Huffman’s Efforts to Secure Disaster Relief

In April 2023, Rep. Huffman called on the Biden administration to declare a federal fishery disaster and provide emergency assistance to Californians impacted by the salmon season closure.

In February 2024, Rep. Huffman welcomed NOAA’s relief funding for California fishing communities while continuing to raise concerns about delays and unmet needs.

In April 2024, Rep. Huffman urged the Biden administration to formally declare the fishery disaster and repeatedly pressed federal officials to expedite assistance for impacted communities.

In 2025, Rep. Huffman continued advocating for fishing communities nationwide by reintroducing bipartisan legislation to strengthen and modernize the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

On June 3, 2026, during a House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries hearing, Rep. Huffman challenged Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere Dr. Timothy Petty on the status of delayed fishery disaster assistance and demanded answers for California fishing communities that had been waiting years for relief.

NOAA Fishery Disaster Allocations

Beyond the $21.3 million allocated to California’s salmon fisheries, NOAA announced a total of $123.6 million in fishery disaster assistance nationwide, including:

• 2023/2024 Bering Sea snow crab fishery in Alaska ($75,186,338)
• 2023 Oregon ocean commercial salmon fishery ($2,386,700)
• 2022 Chignik salmon fishery ($18,489,100)
  2023 Upper Cook Inlet East Side Setnet salmon fishery ($5,750,019)
• 2024 State of California Sacramento River Fall Chinook and Klamath River Fall Chinook ocean and inland salmon fisheries ($21,269,842) 
• 2023 Squaxin Island Tribe Puget Sound Fall Chum salmon fishery ($496,667)

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Congressman Jared Huffman represents California’s 2nd Congressional District, which spans the North Coast of the state from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Oregon border, and includes Marin, Sonoma, Mendocino, Humboldt, Trinity, and Del Norte counties. He currently serves as Ranking Member of the Committee on Natural Resources and as a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He is the founder of the Congressional Freethought Caucus.