Dennis Ray Dalton

One of Amador County's most loved, Dennis Ray Dalton passed away unexpectedly at his home in Jackson, California on Saturday, October 7 at the age of 59. Dennis was a member of the Jackson Rancheria Band of Miwuk Indians who was born in Sacramento, California on August 26, 1958 and grew up in Amador County. Dennis attended Jackson High School and was known for his love of sports, his handsome smile and distinctive sense of humor. He was the second of 4 sons born to Margaret & Earl Dalton. Dennis's father, Earl died tragically in a logging accident in 1980 and his mother, Margaret would later be known as a pioneer in the Indian Casino movement, establishing the Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort in 1991. Dennis loved nature, enjoyed outdoor sports and truly embraced his Native American culture. He worked as a logger for several years alongside his brothers, Earl Jr., Robert and Adam who followed in the footsteps of their father. He also had a passion for football and became a devoted Raiders fan who rarely missed a play. He eventually became great friends with many of the team's players and coaches and often took to the road with them during away games. Dennis loved people, gave his heart freely and enjoyed contributing the local community; particularly to sports and youth groups. He was a major sponsor of the Biletnikoff Foundation, an organization founded by football legend, Fred Biletnikoff that works to fund and support youth groups across Northern California. Dennis later became a Tribal Council Member at Large for the Tribe and worked with his brother Adam Dalton as a major supporter of the Amador County Park Restoration project. He was often seen on the job, feeding volunteers and maintaining order. Dennis married his long time love, Steffanie Henningsen in 2009 and together they enjoyed breeding and working with their horses and spending time in Lake Tahoe. His positive outlook and kind nature was alluring to all who knew him and his love for his family and friends was endless. Spending time with his sons, Jesse and Jose Cortez and his 5 beautiful grandchildren is what brought Dennis his greatest joy. All who knew Dennis were inspired by his kindness and his way of making people feel loved and valued without condition. He was a man who touched the lives of many and whose heart was truly made of gold. Through life's many ups and downs he had a way of finding the silver lining and all who knew Dennis will forever miss the light he brought into our lives. Dennis is survived by his wife, Steffanie Henningsen-Dalton; sons, Jesse Cortez and wife, Sabrina, Jose Cortez and wife, Melanie; brothers, Robert L. Dalton, Adam W. Dalton and wife Janet; grandchildren, Isiah Cortez, Isaac Cortez, Emmitt Cortez, Hayden Cortez and Aleena Cortez; many, many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, niece, nephews, several great nieces & nephews and friends who became family to him. He is preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Dalton; father, Earl Dalton Sr., oldest brother, Earl Dalton Jr. and grandmothers, Genai and Tessie. A memorial service was held for Dennis on October 14 at the Jackson Rancheria Hotel and was laid to rest among close family and friends in the Jackson Catholic Cemetery in Jackson, CA. Condolences can be mailed to the family at P.O. Box 1090, Jackson CA 95642 and memorial donations may be made to the Biletnikoff Foundation in honor of Dennis at: 7080 Donlon Way, Suite 126, Dublin, CA 94568. Tel: (925) 556-2525 or www.biletnikoff.org.