Meet Our Staff
We Are Committed to Excellence
Native Chicoans, Ric Newton, Bob Bracewell and Dane Bracewell bring many years of combined funeral service experience to Newton-Bracewell Funeral Homes and Chico Memorial Mausoleum.
Ric Newton
Ric Newton graduated from the San Francisco College of Mortuary Science, and later received his master’s degree at California State University, Chico. He is Past President for the California Funeral Directors Association. Ric now specializes in advanced planning arrangements.
Bob Bracewell
Bob Bracewell graduated from Cypress College of Mortuary Science. He is an active member in many local civic organizations dedicated toward maintaining and improving the quality of our community.
Ric’s Family
Bob’s Family
Jeff Bunch
Funeral Director #FDR4004
Jeff was born and raised in Chico. In 2009, Jeff married Stephanie Bracewell and his interest in funeral service slowly piqued and in 2013 he began working at the funeral home. Jeff enjoys helping everyone, but finds additional satisfaction in helping the families in his community.
Dane Bracewell
Funeral Director #FDR3359; Embalmer
Dane Bracewell graduated from the American River College Funeral Service Education Program. Dane enjoys sharing his knowledge of all aspects of funeral service with schools, churches and other groups and organizations. He is happy to serve the community in which he was born and raised.
Andrew Riggs
Funeral Arranger
Andrew was born in Sacramento and at the age of three his family moved to Chico where he was raised and educated. Andrew served in the United States Army National Guard and is anxious to use his knowledge to help veterans and their families.
Geoff Thomas
Funeral Arranger
Geoff grew up in Santa Cruz and moved to Chico to attend Chico State University. He graduated with a degree in Communication Design. Geoff worked as a journalist before coming to Newton-Bracewell. Geoff most enjoys spending time with his daughter. He finds it very rewarding to be able to help families in their times of need.
Fred Crosthwaite
Funeral Arranger
Valerie Griffiths
Paradise Administrative Assistant
Valerie spent most of her youth in Paradise. Life experiences as a veteran and wife to a native New Yorker, have found her living across America, coast-to-coast and north to south. With her husband and their son, Valerie returned to The Ridge in 1991. Valerie is a ‘people person’ and enjoys being a part of the ridge community. Friendly and kind, paired with decades of administrative support experience, Valerie has a propensity for serving families coping with a loss.
Amanda Riggs
Administrative Assistant
Amanda was born in Chico and raised and educated in Durham. Amanda worked for a few years in the Education industry. Amanda works in administration and also helps families with personalized memorial services. Amanda’s personality makes her the first person you will want to talk with at Newton-Bracewell.
Patrick Mathers
Funeral Arranger
Patrick has called Chico his home since 1997. He is married with 5 daughters. Patrick has been in the ministry here in Chico for over 20 years. With a heart to bring peace and compassion, he is eager to help all of the families that we serve.
Brandon McNabb
Funeral Arranger
Brandon was raised in Stockton, Ca. He has called Chico home since 2012. In 2014 he married his high-school sweetheart and has one child. He strives to love the families that he works with to start the healing process of the most tragic times in one’s life.
Sheryl Bracewell
Bookkeeper
Sheryl was born and raised in Chico. Sheryl is a Licensed Dental Assistant and a Licensed Cosmetologist. Sheryl married Bob Bracewell February 19, 1983. Sheryl has worked doing most everything at Newton-Bracewell, but most recently has been the bookkeeper.
Mike Jacobsen
Support Staff
Mike was born in Santa Ana and moved to Capay in 1964. He graduated from Hamilton High School and William Jessup University. Mike spent 35 years in a variety of sales and management positions. He is married and has three children and five grandchildren. Mike works as support staff with Newton-Bracewell.