Dawnel Kay Sancho born March 4, 1977, was suddenly taken from us on July 23, 2008, at the young age of 31. Dawnel was such a unique person. She was full of life from beginning to end, living her entire life in Humboldt County. She graduated from Rio Dell Elementary in 1991, Fortuna Union High School in 1995, and later became a dental assistant in 2002.

Dawnel spent her earlier years at Trinity Lake in the summer months enjoying all types of water sports. She also enjoyed softball with her longtime teammates the “Twisted Sisters.” She was a lot like her Grandma Carter, always playing pranks. She loved celebrating the 4th of July. For Halloween, Dawnel loved to dress up with her kids and go trick-or-treating. She always enjoyed the holiday season and getting together with family.

To quote Dawnel’s MySpace page, “I just love to have a good time. What else about me? Well, I have three of the most wonderful kids that a mom could ask for. I also have wonderful nieces and a nephew. I love sports and my fav is to play softball... I luv luv luv it. I have also recently learned how to golf. It’s a lot harder than it looks. I have 3 personalities. The first is the smiley one. I am a people pleaser and love to make them happy. My second is the one who likes to cut loose and have a heck of a time. The third would be the loving one. I am learning to show emotion in public, like giving a hug when you see a pal. There is nothing like going to Pac Bell Park to watch a Giants game, but my kids are the most interesting to me. I learn the most from them. So, to sum it all up ... I work hard, play often, and love a lot. The end! XOXO”

Dawnel is survived by three young children, Makayla Rose, Joseph Truston, and Bryce Matthew Sancho, all of Rio Dell. She is also survived by former husband and good friend Joey Sancho, of Rio Dell; father and mother, Donald and Barbara Ringler, of Rio Dell; sisters Crystal Waters (Kevin) of Scotia, Lorinda Whitchurch (George) of Rio Dell; nephews Kevin and John. Nieces Natasha, Kayla, Kori, Sharena, and Kellie. These kids often referred to Dawnel as “Nano” or “Nellie”. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and many more family members.

Dawnel was preceded in death by her Grandmothers Crystal Carter and May Ringler; Grandfather Lawrence Carter; Uncles Lary, David, and Terry Carter; and Aunt Betty Lucas.

Pallbearers will be Kevin Waters, George Whitchurch, Jerimiah Lucas, Jamie Carter, John Newman, Bob Holcomb, and John Brooks. Services will be held at Goble’s Fortuna Mortuary in Fortuna on Thursday, July 31, 2008 at 10 a.m. There will be a viewing on Wednesday the 30th from 12 - 5 p.m. and 7 - 8:30 p.m. The family would like to thank the ER and ICU staff at St. Joseph’s for the wonderful care that they provided for Dawnel. Arrangements are under the care of Goble’s Mortuary, Fortuna.

In lieu of flowers, a trust fund is set up for the children at U.S. Bank in Fortuna. Please sign the guestbook online.