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.

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.

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.

Amy Hawes

 Pre Planning Advisor

Amy grew up in Eureka and the Pacific Northwest and came to Chico in 1981.  She worked in banking and then in 1990 through a mutual friend, began helping people plan for the future ahead of time. Amy has been involved with grief programs in the Chico area for many years.

Valerie Griffiths

Administrative Assistant

Valerie spent her youth in Paradise. Life experiences as a veteran and wife to a native New Yorker, have found her living across America. With her husband and their son, Valerie returned to The Ridge in 1991. Valerie 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.

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.