Obituaries
Mary R. Eickhoff, died July 21, 2009 in Sonoma. A 56-year resident of Sonoma Valley and a native of Seboyeta, New Mexico, she was 88.
She was the wife of the late Robert Eickhoff and the loving mother of Francis Eickhoff, Yvonne Salz, Alvin Eickhoff and Rebecca Eickhoff. She was the sister of Nora Lester, Don Lucero, Rupe Lucero and Sammy Salas. She was the idolized grandmother of Jesse and Jeremy Apgar, Willie Eickhoff and Shaleen Day Eickhoff.
Mary was a dedicated mother and homemaker. She had many friends and truly loved her life in Sonoma and spending time with friends and family. She loved animals and will be especially missed by her dog, Rico. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Friends and family attended a graveside service at Valley Cemetery on Thursday, July 30, 2009. Arrangements under the direction of Duggan’s Mission Chapel.
Peter Michael Ratto, “Pete,” died suddenly at his home in Sonoma, on July 23, 2009, he was 53.
“Pete” was born in San Rafael, California on June 4, 1956. He went to Novato schools and was a graduate of Novato High School class of 1974. He moved to Sonoma in 1990 with his wife and two sons, and started his auto upholstery business. He was an accomplished auto trimmer, a trade he learned from his father. He was extremely resourceful and talented with his hands; there was nothing he couldn’t fix or create. An avid golfer he also enjoyed boating on the Delta with his sons.
He is survived by his son Kurtis, by his brother Steve and by his ex-wife Mary Ratto. He is preceded in death by his parents; Louie and Teresa; by his son Kyle and by his brother Matt Ratto.
Friends and family attended a celebration of his life on Thursday, July 30, 2009 at Duggan’s Mission Chapel. Private Inurnment.
MULLEN, George Edward, a Dedicated Mason, died at his home in Sonoma on July 23, 2009.
Born in Reno, Nevada on December 24, 1913, George moved to San Francisco in 1936 with his wife, Trudy, and young son. He worked for the California Wine Association, beginning a lifelong appreciation for the grape which culminated in his own amateur wine-making in Sonoma, where he and Trudy retired in 1976. He had a long career in first aid, starting during WWII at Bethlehem Shipbuilders, then as a medical steward on ambulances for the San Francisco Emergency Hospital system, from where he retired in 1976, having spent 33 years saving lives and delivering 88 babies. Public service did not end with his “day job.” He was a Scoutmaster and was active in many aspects of scouting. In 1960, he was awarded the Silver Beaver for his lifelong service. He was a tireless and inordinately active member of the Masonic orders. A member since 1950, he was Past Master of all four lodges of the San Francisco Scottish Rite Bodies, receiving the rank and decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor in 1961, and being coroneted a 33rd Degree Mason in 1979. Other memberships include Odd Fellows, National Experimental Aircraft Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, E Clampus Vitus, and the Valley of the Moon Dilettante Enological Society. He was a licensed aircraft pilot. He was married to Trudy for more than 68 years, and they raised two children. Ronald Mullen and Jeanne Hilton. Trudy passed away in 2002.
George is survived by his children; Ronald Mullen and Jeanne Hilton; by 6 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and by his dear friend and loving companion, Ginny Boyack. He was the oldest of 14 children, he is survived also by 8 sisters and one brother.
Services will be August 5 at 3 p.m. at the Scottish Rite auditorium, 2850 19th Avenue. (corner of Sloat) in San Francisco. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Shriners’ Children’s Hospital of Northern California.
Arrangements under the direction of Duggan’s Mission Chapel, Mission Cremation Service, 525 West Napa Street, Sonoma, CA 95476.
