June 18, 1938 – March 24, 2025
Longtime Yreka resident Owen “Larry” Stidham passed away peacefully on March 24, 2025 at the age of 86. He was born on June 18, 1938 in Selma, California to Charles and Nova Stidham. The Stidham family moved to Siskiyou County in 1951, where Larry spent the rest of his life.
Larry attended Grenada Elementary School and then Yreka High School. He met the love of his life, Frances DeWitt in high school. They were married in June, 1957, and enjoyed over 67 years together.
Larry was always a hard worker. While in high school, Larry worked at Brownie’s Gas Station. After graduating, he worked for Yreka Transit Mix, hauled cattle for Ray Taylor, and drove truck for Walt Peters at Peters Truck Line. In 1963, Larry convinced a potato farmer from Tulelake to sell him a truck on payments. With Frances handling the paperwork out of their home, and Larry driving the truck, Stidham Trucking was born. What started with one truck grew into a thriving business. Together, Larry and Frances expanded Stidham Trucking to 130 company trucks, plus owner-operators, office staff, and shop employees.
Larry had a deep love for animals, and his devotion to them was evident throughout his life. He rescued countless animals over the years, helped several local rescues, countless individuals, and he and Frances were fundamental in starting the humane society in Cabo San Lucas. He was known for his kind heart, willingness to help others, and his strong work ethic.
Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Frances Stidham; son, Richard Stidham; daughter, Mary Stidham-Mathus (Randy); and his sisters, Hazel and Helen, along with several nieces and nephews. Larry was preceded in death by his daughter Teresa, his sister Ramona, brothers Charlie and Benny, and sister Alice. He was a dedicated family man and a hard worker who always put the needs of his loved ones first.
A memorial service to celebrate Larry’s life will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 12:00 Noon at the Miner’s Inn Convention Center in Yreka. Lunch will be served. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to SNIP of Siskiyou County, Purr Angels, or Madrone Hospice in Larry’s honor.
Celebration Of Life
Saturday, April 19, 2025
12:00PM
Miners Inn Convention Center
238 N. Main Street
Yreka, CA 96097
sourced: Girdner Funeral Chapel
I met Larry in 1973 to pick up a pull trailer my boss Larry Quigley bought from him. I didn’t see him again until I moved to Yreka in 1999. he was always very cordial and loved to talk, RIP Larry and God Bless his family.