Marcella Mehew
October 24, 1956 – October 9, 2017

I am so sad to report that our horse family lost another beloved member in October, Marcy Mehew. Paul wrote the following on her Facebook page, which I share with you: “As of Monday afternoon [October 9], Marcy passed away after a short battle with cancer. She was so strong, both of us thinking we could beat this monster, but it got us at the end. At this time, I would like to thank the following people, that help us through this time, and made it possible for Marcy’s wishes to come about. Jason Daniels, Dave Taasass, Teri Moody, Kaitlan Fisher, Judy Fisher, Paul and Debbie Richied, Louis Sweet, my son and grandson, Jess and Tyler, Rob Pelliccia, Jesse and Juana Saldana, Sara Bagg and Murray Cannedy. If I have forgotten anybody, I apologize. Most of all, thank you for everyone’s thoughts and prayers.

Paul has requested that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in Marcy’s honor.

Joanna Rykoff
September 7, 1953 – August 1, 2017

It is with great sadness I report the passing of our dear friend, Joanna Rykoff. After a distinguished career in law enforcement, Joanna relocated to Auburn in 2012 and promptly joined MLAHA. Joanna’s plan was to start a second career owning an embroidery shop. Her plans were cut short, however, as she got sick soon after opening her shop, forcing her to give up that long-held dream. Joanna just shrugged and turned her entire attention to her REAL love– her horses. Right to the end, Joanna lavished love and attention on her horses; in fact, the weekend before she passed, she competed in a show in Santa Barbara with her beloved Morgan mare, Lizzie.

Joanna was one of MLAHA’s greatest supporters, always sponsoring classes, donating items, competing at the Fuzzy Wuzzy, and contributing to the Tailings. One of my favorite articles was the July 2016 A day on the Range when Joanna shared with us how “[she] got to fulfill a wish high up on [her] bucket list. [She] took [her] ½ Arabian – ½ Quarter horse gelding, Empyreal Valor, ‘Valor’, to work cows for the first time.”

Joanna’s memorial service will be held on September 17 at 11 a.m. at Grand Finale Stables, 14565 Wolf Road, Grass Valley, CA. Everyone is welcome to attend. Our condolences to Joanna’s sister, Jean Zabriskie. Jean, we join you in mourning the passing of our dear friend.

Edie Lehman 1945-2009

Born Edrice Ellen Henrich on November 9, 1945, to A. T. and Violet Shackleford Henrich in Ross, CA, she was known to most of us as Edie Lehman. On August 26, 2009, she lost her fierce battle with recurring breast cancer. Edie dedicated her life to horses, becoming a first-class horsewoman. Her world revolved around horses from showing in Marin County as a girl to her first job at sixteen at San Domenico Girls School in San Anselmo. She graduated from Redwood High School and earned her teaching credentials from Sonoma State College.

From 1974 to 1988 Edie Lehman Training Stables operated from several locations in Marin and Sonoma counties. Edie and her partner for twenty-five years, Shirley Koch, moved to Loomis in 1988 and later changed the name to Loomis Basin Equestrian Center.

She was a National Champion competitor and national level horse show judge.

There was magic in Edie’s hands and amazing skill in her body. She could get a horse to do just about anything and make it look effortless. She loved the horses and they knew it. She had high expectations and they knew this too: as did the people who rose them!

Edie’s generosity was boundless and self-effacing. She volunteered her time, expertise and facility for a wide range of equestrian activities.

She exemplified integrity, an incredible appetite for hard work, good humor and fun. Edie’s horsemanship embodied her love, dedication, and respect for the horse.

Betty Mae Dever 1929-2013

Born September 10, 1929. Died March 14, 2013.

A long-time member of the MLAHA, Betty and her husband, Ralph, owned Honey Bee Arabians, because of the bee honey and the Arabian horses they raised. She and Ralph were involved in a variety of activities which included the Herald Riders Horse Group and Arabian Horse Association. Mrs. Dever worked as a Timer for many years on the Tevis 100-Mile Endurance rides and when Ralph rode his Arabian horses on the NARTRAC Endurance rides.

Marilyn Hunter 1938-2013

Marilyn Hunter was part of the Arabian horse breed for 40 years. Marilyn Hunter has worked at Youth Nationals for 17 years. She held many positions, but for the past years was the In-gate Time Keeper. Sitting on her chair at the in-gate looking like she is on a throne, she was there for the class sessions. Marilyn also helped with the volunteer hospitality position. Helping with the shopping and setting up baskets for each arena. She served on the Distance National Committee and been manager and steward for competitive endurance rides for regional and local rides. Her contribution as an ambassador was immeasurable.

On Rebels Radar+// she rode many miles. Her total endurance miles are over 7,000. Marilyn completed the Tevis endurance ride in California, a grueling 100 miles and wore the silver buckle proudly. As a horse breeder of endurance and sport horses, she was well known. Marilyn was a member of the Mother Lode AHA and has served as a delegate and board member. She assisted at the club All Breed Show, Fuzzy Wuzzy, every year. Marilyn worked tirelessly each time Region III hosted the AHA convention. She was truly a hard worker. Marilyn’s cheerfulness and good humor made her an asset at all functions. This lovely lady supported the Arabian horse breed in all aspects. Marilyn was awarded the prestigious AHA National Volunteer of the Year award in 2011. She also had been Region 3 volunteer of the year. ~ Cheryl Hansen

Marilyn hunter was a volunteer at the Region III show for 20 years. Her responsibilities included supervising the commercial vendors. When Marilyn was needed to help in the show office, she got up every morning at 4:30 am to pick up doughnuts, make coffee and greeted everyone at the hospitality booth with a decorated table and a huge smile. After cleaning up she would appear for work in the show office. Aftershow office duties were caught up, Marilyn would organize the volunteer lunch room. Then back to work in the show office. Most days I would insist she go back to the hotel as her day starts so early. She has spent endless hours working on the Region III show, helping with judges cards, entry processing, entry packets, a huge job. I don’t know what I will do without her help. Marilyn has stepped up to be there for me. She was ONE GREAT LADY. ~ Sharon Richards

I have worked with Marilyn Hunter at Youth Nationals, Region III, and at my club show. The year when the entries were drastically low at our club Class A show, she took one of her horses out of retirement, had a local trainer work with the horse, and entered him in the show. As the show secretary assistant, this was above and beyond her duties. Marilyn always found ways to reach into herself and help. She was helpful and informative to everyone. Marilyn is like her own T.A.I.L. Program. I considered her a wonderful friend and a joyous person. ~ Pam Bingham

Diana Sue Bates 1943-2013

Remembering Our Dear Friend

Diana Sue Frazier was born in Wichita, Kansas and grew up on a berry ranch in Gresham, Oregon. She graduated from Reynolds High School where, at the age of 14, she met her first and only love, Charles Ross Bates, Jr., Captivating him with her sparkling blue eyes. Their marriage of 53 years has been an inspiration to all who knew them. They settled in Roseville, CA, in 1969 where they lovingly raised four daughters and a son. As a homemaker, Diana was devoted to her children’s education, taking active roles in the PTA, Camp Fire Girls, and 4-H. She found great joy in her children and grandchildren, spending numerous hours attending various school functions, activities and sporting events, as well as family trips.

Diana’s love of horses led to her running a family horse business, beginning in 1975. She was active for many years in the Mother Lode Arabian Horse Association, serving as president in 1990, and was a local representative to the Arabian Horse Association. Her involvement with Arabian horses brought her much enjoyment and many new friends throughout the country. She eagerly looked forward to the new crop of foals every spring.

Diana loved gardening, being outdoors, reading, traveling, spending time with family, and meeting new people. Each person became “family” and was always greeted with a hug and a kiss. Diana took care of everyone she knew, was fiercely loyal, and welcomed all to her life.

Her family would like to express their gratitude for all the loving support and encouragement they received from everyone.

Bruce Clark 1937-2015

September 15, 1937 – October 17, 2015

It is with a deep sense of personal loss that I pass along word of the death of William Bruce Clark. What can I say to memorialize such a great man? Bruce spent his life in service to the breed he loved. He began breeding Arabian horses when he was just a sophomore in high school and leased the mare Nadir. Foals produced from Nadir financed his college education. Bruce and his partner, Gerry Alexander, are credited with breeding 567 purebred foals at their BruMarBa ranch. BruMarBa-bred horses are owned and loved literally throughout the entire world. Even after retiring from breeding and owning horses, Bruce spent much time in service to the breed, acting until just recently on the AHA Registration Committee and on the board of Michigan State University. Bruce was a great believer in mentoring and perhaps the largest Mother Lode meeting in years was in March of 2014, when Bruce and Gerry graciously accepted the request to be our guest speakers.

Ken and I will miss Bruce deeply. You see, nevermind the great and wondrous life accomplishments of Bruce Clark, he was our special friend and mentor. Bruce came weekly to our farm to coach Ken and I in our endeavors to improve our riding skills. Along the way, he always gave of himself unselfishly, gently suggesting how we could accomplish various goals with our horses. Bruce especially loved our stallion, Shihaab, and referred to him as “his horse.” Any time we had visitors to see the horses, Bruce was always invited to present “his horse” Shihaab for us. After our weekly riding lessons, we would sit and talk for hours in the shade of the barn, discussing horses, dogs, children, politics, and, of course, the weather!

Although many of us from MLAHA will miss Bruce, our greatest condolences go to our Mother Lode members who were his family and extended family — Gerry Alexander, Nancy Clark, and Jean Zabriskie.

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free, I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took his hand when I heard his call, I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way, I’ve found that peace at the end of the day.
If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah, yes, these things too I will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My Life’s been full, I savoured much, Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, He set me free.

-Janice M. Fair-Salters