Celestine “Tina” Terbush
November 12, 1929 – February 4, 2026

Celestine Diane Terbush was born to Mary and Antone Borges on November 12, 1929 in Arcata. Tina’s early years were spent at the ranch on the Arcata Bottoms with her older brother, Tony, and big sister, Mary. She attended Bay School and then Arcata High, where she graduated in 1947. That was when the family moved “into town” to the house built by her dad on 12th and P Street.

Always creative, Tina did the artwork for the high school paper, The Pepperbox. She also was a majorette, twirling her baton with the marching band, and hanging out with her friends Berlene and Eleanor. Her first job, after weeding the strawberries at the ranch back in the day, was at the Arcata Theater, where she took tickets and was an usherette. After her shift at the theater, her brother, Tony, would often pick her up, and they would go dancing with the big bands at the Muni. He was always looking after her.

Tina attended Humboldt College for a brief time, then went to work at the Bank of America in Arcata. That’s where she met the handsome Don Terbush, who was a journalism student at Humboldt. They dated for five years – date nights were Wednesdays and Saturdays. Rumor has it that Tina’s brother, Tony, finally took Don out and told him he better pop the question, or else! Tina and Don were married in August of 1954. Their first daughter, Merrie Dawn, was born in December of 1955, followed seven years later by Katherine, and two years after that, Don Jr.

Following her early years at the bank, Tina joined her mother running the Arcata Yardage Shelf, the first fabric store in Arcata. Tina was a talented seamstress and stitched many outfits for each of her children, as well as prom gowns and bridemaids dresses, vests and suits, and even quilts.

After the yardage shop closed, Tina went to work at Six Rivers Savings and Loans, first as a teller and then as a loan officer. During these years, she worked full time and still managed to be a homemaker, always having dinner on the table for the family. She was a cub scout den mother and was the editor of the Intercom, the newsletter at Sacred Heart Church.

Tina was raised in the Catholic Church and attended church faithfully. In the mid-1970s, she joined her oldest daughter going to Faith Center Foursquare Church. It was there she gave her heart to the Lord and was baptized. Soon the entire family made Faith Center their home church.

Tina’s faith defined her life. She prayed regularly for her family, friends, neighbors, and people she met. Her greatest desire which she expressed again recently was for her entire family to know Jesus, so everyone will be together again in eternity.

Tina went home to be with her Lord and Savior on February 4, 2026 in Eureka.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Merrie Dawn and David Enos, daughter, Katherine Shamp, and son and daughter-in-law, Don and Jennifer Terbush. Also, her grandchildren, Crystal Suarez and husband Ryan; Andrew Enos and wife Katie; Ben Enos; Christian Enos and wife, Devon; Kate Terbush; Jack Terbush; and great-grandchildren, Maxi Suarez, Avery Celestine Enos, and Margot and Charlotte Enos.

Special thanks and appreciation go to the kind and compassionate staff at St. Joseph Hospital.

We were blessed to have our mother for 96 years. ‘Only by the grace of God.’

In loving memory of Florence Mae Moody, born March 26, 1931, in Laurel, Oregon, and went home to be with the Lord on February 13, 2026.

Florence was the loving wife of 62 years to her beloved husband, Charles “Pete” Moody, who preceded her in death in December 2008. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Rudolph and Ethel; brothers Edward, Raymond, Robert and Ronald; sisters Marjorie and Sharon; son-in-law Bobby; and grandchildren Joey (Crissy) and Guy.

Pete and Florence moved to the Garberville area in 1954 from Siletz, Oregon. They loved the mountains, rivers and the beautiful redwood country. They felt it was a wonderful place to raise their children.

Florence enjoyed packing up her “little family” and camping with “Dad” as he worked in the woods as a logger. At home she was often the neighborhood babysitter, caring for many children in addition to her own. She was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Garberville, where she taught Sunday school for many years and participated in the church’s outreaches but especially enjoyed Friday donut making. She also loved attending summer camp services in the redwoods.

Over the years Florence worked several jobs, including bookkeeping and working at the local hospital. She canned and would sell her harvest in her Myers Flat vegetable stand. She was a Master Gardener. She always had a beautiful yard with trees, plants and flowers that she was proud to show. However, her greatest pride and joy was raising her six children.

She will be remembered most of all for her steadfast faith in the Lord and her love for her family.

Florence is survived by her sister Virginia Modine; daughter Mary, grandchildren Robert, RobinRose, and Erin; son Dan (Kathy), grandchildren Jennifer (Mario), Kaci (AZ), Matt, and Chris (Lauryn); son Rod (Julie), grandchildren Brian (Maria) and Scott (Aida); son Doug (Shari), grandchildren Josh (Nicole), Stefanie, Amy (Wes), and Cole (Lauren); daughter Pam (Bryan), grandchildren Jesse and Kari (JJ); son Je (Kim), grandchildren Ryan (Angela), Ashley (Joe), and Tyler; 31 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends and family are invited to attend the memorial service, which will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, at New Hope Assembly of God Church in Garberville, with Pastor Craig Parkinson officiating. A reception will follow. Private graveside services will be held at the Garberville Cemetery.

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our loved one, Tyrel James Grant. Tyrel was born November 16, 1994, in Eureka, and tragically passed away at the young age of 31 on December 4, 2025.

Tyrel was a father of five and one on the way. He was so loved. Tyrel was so smart you could ask him about any topic and he would have knowledge of it. He was hilarious with a great sense of humor and a contagious smile. Tyrel loved being outdoors, be it swimming, hiking, camping or just enjoying the fresh air.

Tyrel loved sports. He was a huge fan of the Green Bay Packers, the Buffalo Bills and the Golden State Warriors. He also loved and was very good at football, baseball, and basketball. He was very family-oriented. In 2017 he met his wife Tiffany, whom which he had two step-daughters, three sons and a daughter on the way with. His children were his pride and joy - his everything. Tyrel was so proud to be a dad and an amazing, devoted, and loving one he was. Tyrel’s love,15:03:12 warmth, protection, devotion, and knowledge will be intensely missed daily by his wife, children and close family.

Tyrel is survived by his wife, Tiffany Grant; his children Sophia, Aubriana, Tyrel Jr., Nikoya, Zeberiah, and his unborn daughter Sunni. He is also survived by his sisters Shana and Stormi Richards; brother-in-laws Gunther McLennan and James Hopper; his nephews Justin “Gooey” Cushman, Colt and Levi McLennan, James “Jimmy” Hopper Jr.; niece Julia Hopper; Aunt Roberta Grant; Grandpa Hugh Grant; and many, many cousins.

Tyrel is preceded in death by his mother, Julia Richards; his grandma, Judith Grant; his sister, Sunni Grant; his aunt, Darcy Grant; and his uncles Joseph and Itsy Grant.

Tyrel’s celebration of life will be private for close family only, please be respectful as they figure out this journey without him.

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

After a two-year battle with complications following a double lung transplant, Heaven welcomed home one of the Lord’s most valiant warriors.

On Friday, February 13, 2026, with his loving family at his bedside at UCSF Hospital in San Francisco, Donald Lynn Stafford peacefully slipped from this mortal life and stepped beyond the veil.

Don was born on February 5, 1960, in Gridley, Butte County, California, to William Mitford Stafford and Shirley Lucille Mitchell Stafford. He was the fourth of six children and was raised in Gridley, where he attended local schools and worked at Safeway while completing his education. He graduated from Gridley High School in 1978.

On April 1, 1978, Don joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Eighteen months later, he answered the call to serve in the Arizona Tempe Mission from November 1979 to November 1981.

His testimony and love for the Savior would shape the rest of his life.

Following his mission, Don attended Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, and later Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, studying Architecture and Pre-Med. During these years he worked in masonry, apartment management, trucking and mechanics, developing the practical skills and work ethic that would characterize his life.

In August 1986, he married Stephanie Michelle Sannar of Gridley, California. To this union were born three sons: Richard William (Brianna) Stafford of Eureka; Briant Everett Stafford of Rexburg, Idaho; and Spencer Stephan Stafford of Eureka. They later divorced in October 1996.

Don began his 26-year career with the California Highway Patrol as a dispatcher in the Bay Area and Chico. He later became a dispatch supervisor in Redding, and eventually a motor carrier specialist. This role led to several transfers throughout California before he and his wife settled on the Central Coast. He retired in 2021 as a motor carrier specialist manager.

On June 25, 1999, Don married the love of his life, Robyn Young (Sellers), in the Salt Lake City Temple. They were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Oakland California Temple on September 25, 1999. In marrying Robyn, Don joyfully embraced her six children as his own: Sarah Lee (Shane) Hastings of Basalt, Idaho; JR (Georgia) Sellers of Albania; Joseph (Paula) Sellers of Wapello, Idaho; Thomas (Megan) Sellers of Blackfoot, Idaho; Nathaniel (Kristen) Sellers of Keswick, Virginia; and Stephanie (Richard) Anderson of Mountain Home, Idaho.

Don was civic-minded and gave generously of his time. He served on the Planning Commision for the City of Gridley and spent many years with the Sequoia and Golden Empire Councils of the Boy Scouts of America as a counselor and camp director.

Within the Church, he served in numerous callings, including Teacher, Elders Quorum President, and counselor in several bishoprics. He especially loved family history work and treasured serving alongside Robyn in the Los Angeles Temple. From February 2020 to February 2022, they served a senior mission together in the California Ventura Mission.

In 2023, Don and Robyn moved to Rio Dell in an effort to alleviate his lung condition and be closer to some of their children and grandchildren.

Don loved the outdoors. He found joy in fishing the lakes, rivers, and streams of California and cherished taking family and friends on fishing excursions in the Pacific Ocean. He also enjoyed hunting, camping, hiking and biking.

His greatest joy, however, was his family — especially his 24 grandchildren. A self-taught artist, he loved sketching and was famous for crafting custom pancakes in any shape or character requested. “Grandpa Don pancakes” became a treasured family tradition.

Food was his love language, and tri-tip was his signature offering. A master of the barbecue, he catered events throughout California and even into Idaho.

Though a man of many talents, his greatest passion was serving the Lord by serving others. Whether acting as handyman, builder, mover, landscaper or friend, he was always the first to step forward. He taught by example that Christlike service is the measure of a life well lived.

Don is survived by his wife, Robyn Young Stafford of Rio Dell; their nine children; and 22 of their 24 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Mitford (“Frog”) Stafford and Shirley Lucille (“Lucy”) Stafford; his brother Russell S. Stafford; and two grandsons, Donald Johannas Sellers and Akston Kirk Sellers.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the LDS Stake Center in Gridley, California. For those unable to attend, the service will be available via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/99614275818

Press release from the Arcata Police Department:

On February 12, 2026, the Arcata Police Department received an anonymous tip through its online reporting system alleging that Kason Severe was attempting to sell an illegal firearm on Snapchat and was in possession of controlled substances.

Investigators confirmed that a Ruger-57 semiautomatic pistol equipped with a large capacity magazine and accompanying ammunition was being offered for sale via Severe’s Snapchat account. Investigators further determined that Severe is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms.

On February 19, 2026, investigators served a search warrant at Severe’s residence in the 100 block of Samoa Boulevard. During the search, officers located the Ruger-57 pistol depicted in the Snapchat images, a large capacity magazine, ammunition, and multiple prescription medications without valid prescriptions, including alprazolam, gabapentin, Adderall, buprenorphine, and clonazepam.

Severe was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility. The following charges will be requested:

• PC 23900 - Obliteration of Identification Marks on a Firearm

• PC 23920(a) - Possession of a Firearm with Obliterated Identification Marks

• PC 32310(a) - Offering a Large Capacity Magazine for Sale

• BP 4060 - Possession of Prescription Drugs Without a Prescription

• PC 1203.2 - Probation Violation

Homeless services have been pushed to the brink during this week’s cold snap, but funding set aside by Arcata in November is saving lives. 

An extreme weather shelter run by the Arcata House Partnership has been filled to capacity during the last few days, AHP’s executive director Darlene Spoor told the Outpost today. All 80 rooms in an Arcata-area motel are being used; AHP staff had to send a few people who needed a room to other providers. 

AHP has only been able to provide extreme weather shelter housing for around 20 people at a time for 10 nights every season during the last decade, but this shelter is being funded by $217,000 from several state lawsuits brought against opioid distributors and manufacturers. Arcata’s city council set aside their portion of the settlement back in November for homeless services. Spoor said there may be increased interest this year because shelter residents get a private room, something AHP hasn’t been able to offer in the past. She said AHP is indebted to the city for funding this project.

Spoor said AHP’s staff is working all-out, cooking three meals a day for 80 people and contacting people living in encampments to tell them about AHP’s programs. They’re also short on volunteers.

The shelter is open until March 15. People residing in the shelter will have to leave, and Spoor said she was worried about them. Many of them are senior citizens who have never experienced homelessness before, but enough exposure to the elements can kill anyone, Spoor said.

“There’s nowhere to go,” she said. “There’s no long term shelter beds, there’s no affordable housing. This is a band-aid. I’m really concerned — what’s going to happen with people?…The biggest challenge is people are asking, ‘What’s going to happen in a couple of weeks?’ And there’s nothing. There’s nothing we can do. There’s no funding. [But] we are doing so much more than we could have ever imagined.”

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It won’t come as news to most Outpost readers that Humboldt County’s economy has taken an epic dump over the past decade or so, thanks largely to the collapse of the commercial cannabis industry. To employ the jargon du jour, this downturn has been our lived experience. 

Which sucks, obviously, but it can be mildly satisfying to have our maladies accurately described. A new report from the UC Davis Labor and Community Center does just that, mapping our region’s economic pain through statistics and charts. While grim, the data may help validate our collective sense of financial malaise while highlighting the importance (and shortcomings) of government assistance programs. 

Drawing on data from the California Department of Social Services, the UC Davis Labor and Community Center analyzed CalFresh usage rates among various age groups.

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The news hook, if you need one, was November’s pause in funding for CalFresh (federally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP) due to the federal government shutdown, which temporarily cut off $5.7 million in monthly assistance to people experiencing food insecurity in Humboldt County alone.

“This financial hit to low-wage recipients, along with rising food prices and reduced federal spending on emergency food distribution, deepened food insecurity and highlighted the precarious nature of food access Californians regularly experience,” a research brief explains. “Although the November federal government shutdown ended, many factors that contribute to food insecurity in California and Humboldt County remain.”

The Center’s study examines longer-term trends in food insecurity. It found that every age group in Humboldt County saw increased CalFresh enrollment between 2014 and 2024, particularly the 18 to 59 age group, which far outpaced statewide rate increases.

As shown in the chart below, 22.5% of Humboldt County residents age 18 to 59 were enrolled in CalFresh in 2024. That’s more than twice the statewide rate of 11.1%, and the gap has been widening. From 2014-2024, this age group’s CalFresh enrollment statewide increased by 2.4%, but in Humboldt County it increased by 8.2%.

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Making matters worse, the median household income in Humboldt County has fallen further behind statewide averages, and our rate of full-time workers living in poverty nearly doubled in ten years.

In fact, in 2014 Humboldt County had a lower percentage of full-time, year-round workers living in poverty than the statewide average (3.5% versus 3.6%). By 2024, however, the statewide figure declined to just 2.2% while in Humboldt County it rose significantly to 6.2%. See the chart below.

Here’s some more data to bring the growing disparity into focus: From 2014 to 2024, the median household income in Humboldt County increased 43.2%, or $17,526. Statewide over that period, the median household income grew 61.7%, or $38,216. (All figures cited are in 2024 inflation-adjusted dollars.)

Here’s what that looks like in chart form:

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Looking for yet more sobering stats? We got you:

• The number of Humboldt County residents receiving CalFresh benefits has steadily increased over the last 10 years, exceeding 30,000 individuals in 2024, a 55.5% increase since 2014.
• In 2014, Humboldt County had the 19th-highest CalFresh enrollment rate among California’s 58 counties; by 2024 we ranked 9th.
• More than 1 in 4 children in Humboldt County (28.4%) were enrolled in CalFresh in 2024, along with more than 1 in 6 seniors age 60+ (17.5%).
• Back in 2014, Humboldt County had the 16th-highest enrollment rate for working-age adults; by 2024 we ranked 5th, with more than 1 in 5 (22.4%) of our residents age 18 to 59 enrolled in CalFresh. 
• A disproportionately high percentage of workers in Humboldt County work full-time, year-round, yet live in poverty. In 2014, this rate in Humboldt County was slightly lower than the statewide average, 3.5% versus 3.6%. In 2024, however, the statewide figure decreased to just 2.2%, while in Humboldt County it rose significantly to 6.2%.

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CalFresh benefits expanded during the COVID pandemic, but the expansion was rolled back in March 2023. As a result of that rollback, resident needs increased exactly as you’d expect. Food for People (Humboldt County’s food bank) went from serving about 16,000 people per month to serving roughly 21,000, a 31% increase.

The Center’s report notes more trouble on the horizon:

“In addition to the 2025 government shutdown and the forthcoming H.R. 1-mandated cuts, the USDA also recently threatened to withhold SNAP benefits from [Democratic] states, including California, that do not comply with its demand to hand over data on SNAP enrollees, including immigration-related codes,” the report brief says.

But the bottom line, here in Humboldt, is that working full-time often isn’t enough to make ends meet. Here’s the conclusion from Jason Whisler, M.A., and Marcos Lopez, Ph.D., at UC Davis:

While unemployment contributes to CalFresh use, in Humboldt County, the wide range of low-wage employment is insufficient for workers to afford basic necessities, such as food,” the brief says. “Over the past 10 years, Humboldt County has fallen further behind the state of California in median household income and has seen a significant increase in the number of workers who work full-time, year-round, yet remain in poverty.

As a result, Humboldt County has risen in the ranks of counties with the highest CalFresh enrollment rates. Unlike household-level reports on CalFresh, this analysis shares insight into where policy changes and/or investments could address age-specific food access needs, such as improving access to jobs that provide economic security to working adults.

Our findings indicate that city-, county-, and state-level decision makers must be prepared to address the specific food access needs of nearly one-fourth of Humboldt County residents to meet the challenges posed by food insecurity compounded by federal policymaking.