We have been asked to report the sad news that Winnemem Wintu elder Florence Jones passed away this morning at the age of 96. Seven days shy of her 97th birthday, the “top doctor” of the Wintu was at home surrounded by family at the time of her passing. It has been a privilege and an honor to work with Florence over the last twelve years. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Winnemem, who are mourning the loss of a great healer and caretaker of sacred places on and around Mt. Shasta. Florence’s strength will surely live on as the wonderful people she taught and healed carry on the Wintu traditions. Read obituaries from the New York Times, Los Angeles Times and San Francisco Chronicle.