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. He is now enrolled in the Funeral Service Program at American River College 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.

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.

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.

Saraya Rider

Funeral Director #FDR4617

Saraya was born in Santa Ana, California. She was raised and educated in Chico. She currently holds a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from CSU Chico and is enrolled in the Funeral Service Education Program at American River College. Saraya hopes to become a licensed Embalmer. She has a passion for serving people affected by grief and the community in any way that is needed.

Ryan Fowlar

Funeral Arranger

Ryan Fowlar was born in Martinez California, and moved to Chico to attend Chico State University. He graduated from CSU Chico with a bachelor’s degree in political science focusing on legal studies, along receiving a paralegal certificate. Ryan worked previously as a paralegal assisting families through difficult times. He continues to assist the community as they deal with hardship, and help support them through their losses.

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.

Michelle Mattern

Advanced Planner

Michelle has been part of Chico and Paradise communities for over 25 years. She graduated from Chico State with a teaching degree and has spent many years coaching and teaching in the local schools.
Michelle decided to go into the funeral profession to help families prepare by pre-planning their own funeral or cremation. Michelle has a busy family life with her husband and four children. She enjoys sports, outdoor activities, and friends and family. Michelle understands the importance of planning ahead to help give your family a piece of mind.