Faye L. Rinehart

Faye L. (Beattie) Rinehart passed away quietly in her sleep on January 12, 2011. She was surrounded by the people who loved her most, her husband Bob and her three surviving children John, Cindy and Betsy. Faye was born in Berkeley, Calif. to Helen H. and Homer M. Beattie. She graduated from Berkeley High School and attended the College of the Pacific and transferred to the University of California at Berkeley. She also attended the Academy of Arts and Crafts in Oakland, Calif. In 1959 she moved to St. Helena, Calif. with her first husband, John E. Nichols where they raised their four children. Faye married Robert Rinehart, her high school sweetheart in 1977 where they resided in Ukiah, Calif. until her passing. A beautiful person in every way, Faye was a role model for us all. She was the gentlest, kindest and most giving person any of us ever knew. As a wife and partner in life, she was a loving and constant companion and friend. As a mother, a gentle, loving and supportive spirit that was always present no matter how many miles separated us. Our lives will be less without her, changed in so many ways. We will be drawn closer because of her, in remembering her - always. Faye had many interests and was involved in many activities that helped other people. She volunteered at the Children's Hospital of the East Bay in Oakland, Calif. On one occasion, she and friends took clothing to the Black Foot Indians in South Dakota. Later she volunteered for the American Foreign Exchange group in St. Helena, Calif. In her hometown of Ukiah, she was involved in the local chapter of PEO, a philanthropic organization that raises money for women's education. Faye had many interests in life including a love of animals, particularly Yorkshire Terriers. Her life-long hobby was collecting and restoring antique wind-up toys. Faye enjoyed any challenge whether it was a difficult life situation or a mind-bending puzzle. She and her husband Bob loved traveling in their RV, having visited all 49 mainland states, Canada and Mexico. Along the way, they always included visits to their children, grandchildren and friends. They also travelled extensively in Europe, the Mediterranean, Russia and enjoyed many trips to Hawaii. They spent many winters at their home in Rancho Mirage, Calif. where they enjoyed numerous activities with friends. Faye is survived by her husband, Robert F. Rinehart; her brother, Barclay "Buzz" Beattie; her three children, John W. Nichols (wife Julie), Cynthia S. Nichols- Howa (husband Allan), Betsy A. Nichols- Salmans (husband Michael); and Lucille Chairez-Nichols wife of Jeffrey J. Nichols who preceded Faye in death in 1994. Faye's grandchildren include: Nathan L. Salmans, Joshua E. Howa, Mackenzie R. Harvey, Carly J. Howa, Amy F. Howa, John P. Nichols, and Paul E. Nichols. Her step-children include Richard G. Rinehart (wife Carol), Ron K. Rinehart (wife Michelle), Robin L. Rinehart and Reed R. Rinehart (wife Ginette). Her step-grandchildren include Justin G. Rinehart, Amy E. Rinehart, Nicholas J. Rinehart, Katie L. Rinehart, Bryce P. Bazzani, Ethan G. Rinehart, and Ava M. Rinehart. Faye had 9 great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at Eversole Mortuary of Ukiah, Calif. at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, February 5, 2011 (141 Low Gap Road). In lieu of flowers the family is asking that donations are made directly to the Boys and Girls Club in Ukiah (P.O. Box 67, Ukiah, CA 95482), Phoenix Hospice of Mendocino (100 San Hedrin Circle, Willits, CA 95482), or PEO Chapter NV in Ukiah (179 Park Place, Ukiah, CA 95482). Arrangements are under the direction of the Eversole Mortuary.