In loving memory of Jonita Kay Gosney; April 28, 1936 – May 5, 2026

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Jonita  K. Gosney,

Jonita  K. Gosney, age 90, of Eureka, California, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026, just nine weeks after being diagnosed with small cell lung cancer.

Jonita was born on April 28, 1936, in Eureka, to John and Frieda Ramacciotti. Her unique name was lovingly created by her mother, who combined their names John and Frieda with a creative twist, giving her a name as distinctive and memorable as she was.

Growing up in Eureka, Jonita attended Marshall Elementary and Jacobs Junior High School. She was a bright and accomplished student who excelled academically and was advanced a grade in school. She spent most of her senior year at just 16 years old. She proudly graduated from Eureka High School in 1953, just shortly after her 17th birthday. While attending Eureka High School, she played the drums in the marching band and often joked that she joined primarily for the opportunity to travel to out-of-town football games with the team.

Following high school, she attended Humboldt State College for a year before embarking on an adventure to San Francisco with two close friends. While living there, she worked as a teller for Bank of America. After hearing predictions of a major earthquake, she decided to return to Eureka, where the next chapter of her life unfolded.

Upon her return to Eureka, she continued working for Bank of America and later married her high school sweetheart, Gary Martinelli. Together they welcomed four children: Lisa, Marcie, Scott and Stacy, though they endured the heartbreaking loss of their son, Scott to SIDS when he was just four months old.

After her marriage ended, she began a new chapter in life working for her friends, Stig and Marilyn Strombeck, who later gave her the opportunity to purchase House of Lynn, a women’s clothing store in Henderson Center. With the support of her parents and alongside her brother, Ron, the family purchased the business for the two siblings to manage. A few years later, she purchased her parents’ and brother’s interest and became the sole owner. She and Ron remained exceptionally close throughout their lives. His passing in 2010 was a profound loss, and she missed him dearly.

Building on the success of House of Lynn, Jonita expanded her retail interests by opening House of Lynn in Crescent City, The Clothing Rack in Arcata, and later became co-owner of The Pocket in Eureka. She was especially known for the weekly luncheon fashion shows at the Red Lion, which reflected her flair for style and her gift for turning fashion into a fun and memorable experience for the community.

As a successful business owner for 18 years, Jonita took great pride in the times her daughters worked alongside her in the store. The time spent together created lasting memories. Her dedication, perseverance, and commitment to her customers helped shape a life in which her children learned to be independent, responsible, and resilient. Through her business, she formed lasting friendships with customers and became a respected and well-known member of the community.

During this time, she met Jack Gosney, co-owner of Eureka Market. They married in 1972 and shared 43 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in 2015. They enjoyed an active social life and were members of Baywood Golf and Country Club and the Eureka Elks Lodge. As a Shriner’s wife, Jonita was active in Daughters of the Nile. They also enjoyed traveling to Hawaii and Mexico. Jonita and Jack especially loved cooking and entertaining family and friends. Christmas was a particularly cherished time in their home filled with laughter, good food, thoughtful gifts and treasured moments around the tree.

Above all, Jonita cherished her family and took great pride in her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Affectionately known as “GG” and “Grandma Gosney,” she found her greatest joy in their happiness and accomplishments. She enjoyed time spent with family, and her love and presence will be missed.

Jonita also enjoyed following the San Francisco Giants, the San Francisco 49ers, professional golf, and loved keeping up with family and friends on Facebook. She will be remembered for her signature Gibson hairstyle, dark glasses, and beautiful complexion. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Jonita was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jack; her infant son, Scott Martinelli; her grandson, Nathan Titus; her stepsons, Michael and Shawn Gosney; her parents, John and Frieda Ramacciotti; her brother, Ron Ramacciotti, and his wife, Sandy; and her in-laws, Clyde and Marion Gosney.

She is survived by her daughters:  Lisa (George) Wiegand of Redding, California; Marcie (Cliff) Titus of Ferndale, California; and Stacy Young of Denver, Colorado.

Grandchildren:  Jamison and Jesse Golenor; Lucas (Jennie) Titus, Matt (Angelica) Titus, and Nick (Stephanie) Titus; Hannah, Alex, and Kyle Young.

Great-grandchildren:  Trent, Tristen, and Taren; Domenic and Izabel; and Wesley and Isla Titus.

She is also survived by the family of her late stepson, Michael Gosney; her nieces, nephew, cousins; and dear friends Kathy Tillis and Ruby Shubert, whose weekly phone calls brought her joy, laughter, and companionship.

Per her wishes, no services will be held. Jonita and Jack will be laid to rest together in the Ferndale Cemetery.