Carl Jess Baker

Carl Jess Baker, 57, passed away Jan. 15, 2009, after a long illness, in his home with family and friends at his side.

He was born July 22, 1951, in Torrance, Calif., to Barbara and Sterling "Dick/Pops" Baker, presently of Las Vegas and Pahrump.

He was a resident of Pahrump, along with his partner, Dona, since 2004.

He is survived by his parents; lifetime friend and partner, Dona, with whom he shared his love and his home; sisters Claudia of Las Vegas, and Carol of Buena Park, Calif.; nephew and nieces Carl Richard (named after his uncle) of Las Vegas, Brandy, Cheryl, Chris and Ralph of Southern California; great-neices and -nephews Carmela of Michigan, David, Daniel, Heather and Hayley of Southern California and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Friendships were more of an extension to his family. As youths, two neighborhood kids became friends. Carl and Richard, 50 years later, were more like brothers. Richard's parents, sister and all generations to follow are part of that extended family.

Lasting friendships with Danny, David and Mike were always cherished.

In 1972, with his profession of carpentry and his father at his side, Carl moved to Phoenix, Ariz. to work.

There he met Danny Boyle and it is no surprise he is a friend still.

Carl moved to Bullhead City in 1980, where he worked with a pair of brothers, Frankie and Jack. (Jack is now deceased.) They were always together and considered each other brothers forever.

To be a friend with Carl Baker was a life long experience.

For 28 years Carl and his father, better known to all as "Pops," were members of the International Chili Society. Their competition name was Lineshack Chili and they were known as "The Baker Boys." Traveling from cook-off to cook-off, they made their prize-winning chili recipe for which they received many awards. They made cherished memories as well as friends across the U.S.

As the illness progressed Carl wished to be at home, so with the hospice care and family and friends, Carl was well taken care of.

Carl Jess Baker will live in our hearts and memories through the stories that will be told, the photos we have and in a song that, when we hear it, will make us stop and think of him, his smile, his laugh and his life as a beloved son, brother, uncle and friend.

He will be missed. (01/15/2009)

Shirley Larason

Shirley Larason, 73, passed away Jan. 17, 2009, in Las Vegas.

She was born Oct. 22, 1935, in North Las Vegas and was a resident of Pahrump for 10 years.

She was a retired dispatcher for a trucking company.

Her children Kimberly Gunither, Charles (Norma) Banks and Lynn Welch; sister Clara Schaffer; 11 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren survive her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmo "Slim" Larason; parents Frank Black and Lucille McDonald and sister Pat Teeples.

The viewing will be 9 a.m.-noon, Jan. 23 at Bunkers in Las Vegas, followed by graveside services at 1 p.m. in Memory Gardens, also in Las Vegas.

"Shirley's only request was for everyone to be on time because she won't wait." (01/17/2009)

Charles Gutbrodt Jr.

Charles Gutbrodt Jr., 79, passed away Jan. 2, 2009, in Pahrump.

He was born Oct. 21, 1929, in New Jersey and was a resident of Pahrump for 12 years, having come from California.

He was a 22-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a member of the Masonic Temple and Order of the Eastern Star.

He was an electronics technician.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jessie; sons Charles and David; daughter Kim (Gary); grandchild Bryce and many good friends.

The memorial service was held at 10 a.m., Jan. 10 in the Masonic Temple in Pahrump.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. (01/02/2009)