Obituary: Susan Davis

November 30, 1961 – April 8, 2024

Susan Marie Davis, of South Lake Tahoe, California, passed away on April 8, 2024, at the age of 62. Susan lived a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Sue was born in Orange, California on November 30th, 1961, to Charles and Ruth Mansfield. She graduated from Warren High School in Downey, CA in 1979. She married Mark Davis June 14th, 1984. They had known each other since third grade and would have celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary this June. They moved to Tahoe in 1989 and raised their two children Heather and Kyle in their favorite place.

Sue was a devoted Wife, Mother, Aunt and Grandma. She was a girl scout leader, soccer coach and always present on the sidelines of her family’s sporting events. There were many late nights making soccer banners or dance costumes.

Sue loved being outdoors, spending the day at the beach, floating in a raft on the lake, or casting a line off the beaten path. She was always planning the next family adventure and took immense pride in making them memorable. She delighted in bringing everyone together around the table for her delicious family dinners or a game of cards and fostering cherished moments in the company of her loved ones.

Sue is preceded in death by her parents Chuck and Ruth Mansfield, and her brother Chuck Jr. She is survived by her adoring husband, Mark; her daughter, Heather (Troy) Denkler; her son Kyle Davis; her grandsons Bryce and Blake Denkler. Along with her sister Linda (Jim) Fishback; niece Courtney (Derick) Dahl; nephews Ryan (Molly) Husband, Scott Mansfield, and Zachary Mansfield. Her memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Lake Tahoe’s Shining Stars, an organization close to Sue’s heart, dedicated to enriching the lives of children in the Lake Tahoe area. https://paybee.io/@shiningstars@1

Obituary: George Drake

– March 20, 2024

George Drake passed away of cancer on March 20, 2024.

George had taught mathematics at LTCC where one of his classes affectionately nicknamed him “Dragon Drake”! He earned a PhD Candidacy from U.C. Davis where he taught teachers before moving to South Lake Tahoe in 1978.
He loved living in the mountains where he hiked, biked, camped, canoed, skied, and snowshoed.
His spirit and optimism seldom wavered despite thirty years with slow, degenerative Multiple Sclerosis. As M.S. progressed, he turned to riding a recumbent trike, and later buzzed around in his power wheelchair.
A man who spoke truth to power, he retired early from the profession he loved to work full-time as an environmental activist.
George is survived by Barbara Truman, his wife of forty years, a son, three grandchildren, a brother and sister, his wife’s family, and many dear friends.
He didn’t want a memorial service, so please simply hold him in your hearts.

Grow Your Own Festival: An edible gardening community event, high elevation seedling sale

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – A group of Truckee-Tahoe based non-profit organizations are teaming up for the 2nd annual Grow Your Own Festival featuring gardening demos and a high elevation seedling sale.

This free community event celebrating the joys and benefits of growing food in high elevation regions will also have a special emphasis on watershed-friendly practices. Formerly individual weekly workshops, now single day events in South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City, and Truckee focused on the edible plants that grow best in our unique mountain climate.

There will be three different events available for free.
Provided Photo

Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this event has something for everyone. Hosted at three unique locations in the Truckee-Tahoe region. Attend one or all, either way it’s free!

  • Friday, May 31, 4-7 p.m. @ the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center’s Tahoe City Field
  • Station
  • Saturday, June 1, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. @ the Slow Food Lake Tahoe Gardens in Truckee
  • Saturday, June 8, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m @ the Tallac Historic Site in South Lake Tahoe

At each location, attendees will have the opportunity to pick-up seeds/seedlings each selected for their abilities to perform during our short growing season. This year’s highlights are tomatoes and peppers, leafy greens, potatoes, peas, squash, onions/leeks, and edible flowers. Additional starts will be available for purchase at each location. Pre-register to reserve your seedlings and help support the future of the Grow Your Own Program.

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UCCE Master Gardeners of Lake Tahoe will be providing informative hands-on demonstrations and will be available to answer all your questions about what grows best in our region. They will cover topics such as site selection, soil preparation, and pest control. For those looking for inspiration, you can tour the gardens at each site to get ideas for your own. And, learn about volunteer opportunities that help you learn as you grow.

Additional demonstrations and vendors will be at each location exhibiting container gardens, raised garden beds, compost, kids’ activities, and more.

The Grow Your Own Festival is a must-attend event for anyone interested in edible gardening or simply. looking for a fun and educational day out. Bring the whole family and be inspired to create your own sustainable garden in our high elevation community. View the schedule of events at each location and reserve your high elevation edible garden seedlings: https://www.slowfoodlaketahoe.org/events

The Grow Your Own program is brought to you by the UCCE Master Gardeners of Lake Tahoe, UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center, The Great Basin Institute, The Tallac Historic Site and Slow Food Lake Tahoe.

Are you an organization or vendor that’s interested in showcasing at the event? Get in touch:
Tahoe City: antoy@ucdavis.edu
Truckee: info@slowfoodlaketahoe.org
South Lake Tahoe: christyfarms@icloud.com