Jennifer Leha Lawson

Age 44, of Dillon Beach, CA, died November 6, 2010 at home with her brother Morgan Doran and partner-in-life Dale Holmes at her side. Born on November 12, 1965, Jennifer spent her childhood in Sutter Creek, CA and graduated from Amador High School in 1984. Leaving Amador County, Jennifer resided at Dillon Beach, attended Santa Rosa Jr. College and married Chris Lawson. Together they have two daughters Shelby and Giana. Jennifer spent many hours on her horse riding the Lawson family ranch. In 1986 Jennifer assumed management of Lawson's Livestock beef cattle and sheep ranch. She had an incredible passion for the land and compassion for animals that was reflected in the way she managed the ranch for 19 years. Everyone who knew Jennifer understood she possessed both the fortitude to manage the ranch with mud and manure on her boots and the spark to don the most fetching feminine attire. If someone needed help, Jennifer was always there to give more than she would want to receive. Jennifer's mettle was tested by many tragedies which she confronted with grit, grace and courage. First in 1996 she and Chris lost their son Colby, who died from complications shortly after birth. Then in 2003 Jennifer was diagnosed with breast cancer that she fought with treatment and successfully recovered. A change in life brought Jennifer together with her partner Dale Holmes of Dillon Beach. After sharing many happy years and memories together, Jennifer's cancer returned and metastasized to bring her life to closure. Jennifer is survived by her loving partner Dale Holmes; daughters Shelby Lawson and Giana Lawson both of Dillon Beach; brother Morgan Doran of Winters; father Patrick Doran of Sutter Creek, mother Carolene Wiser and step-father Willie Scheidt of Volcano; and her aunt Janie Pasalich of Rohnert Park. Jennifer and Dale have been dedicated members of the Rip City Riders, a non-profit charity motorcycle group based in Marin and Sonoma Counties. The group organizes numerous charity drives throughout each year with one major beneficiary selected annually. This year, Rip City Riders raised $50,000 for Hospice by the Bay in Jennifer's honor. It is Jennifer's wish that any donations in her memory be made to Rip City Riders to support their charitable causes. More information is available at www.ripcityriders.org. Donations can be sent to Rip City Riders, PO Box 2970, Petaluma, CA 94953. In the spring of 2011, a Celebration of Jennifer's Life will be held in Tomales, CA. The celebration will be announced on the Rip City Riders website.