Roger Ronald Porterfield; 1933-2026

Roger Ronald Porterfield passed away July 16. Roger was born Oct. 24, 1933, at his family’s homestead in Tulelake, CA. He was the fourth child of Guy and Mary Porterfield, who were 1929 homesteaders.

His early years were spent in Tulelake, where he first developed his love of riding horses. At that time, his family had a dairy and also raised potatoes. When Roger was old enough to attend school, he was enrolled at the Winema School. In 1944, his parents purchased the historic John Fairchild Ranch, known as the JF, east of the town of Dorris. As a young child he was his father’s shadow. That close relationship would end when his father was killed in a tragic accident on the JF in January of 1945.

Roger’s parents had already sold their property in Tulelake by the time of the accident, but had not yet moved the family to the ranch. His widowed mother gathered up her children and began the next chapter of the family’s life at the ranch. It was on the JF that 10-year-old Roger found his heaven on earth. He would spend the next 80 years riding over the countryside on and near the original ranch. Roger’s last day on horseback came on May 22 at the age of 92, doing what he loved—in the place he loved most.

Following the move to the JF, Roger attended grade school in Dorris and graduated from Butte Valley High. Following his high school graduation he briefly attended college before he joined the U.S. Coast Guard, serving during the Korean War. He was very proud of his military service. Once discharged, he couldn’t wait to get back to his beloved JF Ranch. When he arrived, his brothers had his favorite horse saddled and waiting for him.

On July 7, 1957, he married the love of his life, Darlene Winebarger of the Prather Ranch, Macdoel, CA. Ranch-raised herself, Darlene made the perfect partner for life they would build together. In 1958 they welcomed eldest daughter Dana, to be followed by three more daughters—Darla, Kaaren and Krista. The JF was a ranch operated by the multiple members of the Porterfield family; Roger’s wife and daughters often rode and worked with him.

When the work schedule permitted, Roger, Darlene and the girls carved out time for family fun, including horseback camping trips, houseboat trips to Shasta Lake, and later on team penning competitions.

In the 1960s, Harold, Roger and Gary formed the partnership known as the Porterfield Ranch. Roger loved life on the ranch. He was proud of the herd of cattle he and his family developed. Each year he’d swear this was the best calf crop they’d ever had. As years passed, the brothers bought adjoining lands, expanding their operation. In 2002, Roger’s accomplishments as a successful cattle rancher were acknowledged when he was named Siskiyou County Cattleman of the Year.

Roger and Darlene faced every parents’ nightmare when they lost two of their daughters, Kaaren and Krista. For Roger, the pain intensified when Darlene passed in 2014. He felt the loss of his wife of 57 years deeply for the rest of his life.

He loved good horses and good horse tack. Roger often said he liked his silver on his women (wife and daughters) and his horses. He loved riding a good bridle horse. Roger was proud of his collection of silver bits and good rawhide.

Roger had a reputation as an expert packer. He had an outstanding string of pack mules. An avid hunter, he and his mules had many adventures in the back country.

In his later years, he took great pride in the accomplishments of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed watching them compete in sporting events or in rodeo events. Roger liked them inheriting his competitive nature.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Mary Porterfield; his wife, Darlene; his daughters, Kaaren and Krista; his siblings, Ray, Harold, Doris and Gary; as well as son-in-law, Tim O’Connor. He was also preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, Walt Fotheringham, Hilery Winebarger, Keith Winebarger, Kent Winebarger, Ron Stumbaugh; and sisters-in-law, Connie Porterfield, Sheila Winebarger, Betty Winebarger, and Virginia Porterfield. Roger is survived by his daughters, Dana O’Connor, Darla Nonella (Tom); grandchildren, Kaaren Harless, Tara Guthrie (Jesse), Theresa Fussell (Michael), Roger Nonella (Kelsey), Mark Nonella (Jenna); and great-grandchildren, Connor, Peyton, Alexis and Chipper Guthrie, Drew and Jed McDonald, Reed Kness, Quincy Fussell, Riley and Reagan Nonella, Nathan, Ace and Sadie Nonella; brother-in-law, Kirk Winebarger (Paige); and sisters-in-law, Ruth Porterfield, Lila Stumbaugh and Sharon Winebarger.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Butte Valley Historical Society, Butte Valley Ambulance and the Dorris Lions Club.