Meet the Crew

A local college student pursuing a career in nursing, Bella brings her compassionate nature and dedication to her role at Sea Spirit Memorial. Her love for the ocean began in childhood, when her father would take her out on their boat during weekends. As she grew older, he would sometimes pull her out of school for fishing trips, deepening her connection to the water and fostering her lifelong appreciation for the sea.

Bella was always drawn to work in a field connected to the ocean, and when the opportunity arose at Sea Spirit Memorial, she quickly realized her role was more meaningful than she had imagined. She finds great fulfillment in helping families find closure and peace through the beauty of ocean memorials.

When she’s not working or studying, she loves spending time at the beach, going for a run, traveling whenever she gets the opportunity, enjoying moments with friends and loved ones, and spending time with her dog, Maggie, who is an important part of her life.

Chloe Stoops grew up in the Santa Cruz mountains, where she developed a deep connection to the ocean that continues to shape her life and work. She loves surfing, fishing, sailing with her mom, and spending time on the water. Currently attending college in New York, Chloe jumps on the boat at every opportunity when she’s home—working aboard Sea Spirit Memorial during summers and school breaks whenever she can.

Chloe is dedicated, hardworking, and calm under pressure, making her a valued member of the Sea Spirit Memorial crew. She takes great pride in supporting families during ocean memorials, helping ensure each service is handled with care, respect, and compassion. Her strong work ethic, attention to detail, and genuine empathy allow families to feel supported during an emotional and meaningful time.

Outside of crew work, Chloe enjoys solo traveling, reading, painting, and acting, all of which reflect her thoughtful and creative nature. Her deep love for the ocean and her commitment to serving families with grace and professionalism make her an invaluable member of the Sea Spirit Memorial team.

Erika Stevens was born and raised in Santa Cruz County, where she graduated from San Lorenzo Valley High School and attended Cabrillo College. Her early work as a waitress, gymnastics instructor, and volleyball coach helped shape the steady, attentive, and people-focused approach she brings aboard each trip.

She spent more than 35 years in the aerospace industry, developing a strong sense of responsibility, precision, and teamwork — skills that are essential to safe and smooth operations on the water.

Erika is the proud mother of her daughter, Lexi, and grandmother to her grandson, Jace. She enjoys horses, waterskiing, wakeboarding, and staying active, and has always felt a deep connection to the ocean.

With strong local roots and a genuine passion for helping others, Erika is honored to be part of the Sea Spirit Memorial crew, supporting families and assisting in vessel operations during meaningful moments at sea.

Joe Stoops has dedicated his life to the sea, building an impressive maritime career that spans over five decades. Since 1968, he has navigated the coastal waters of California and beyond, gaining extensive offshore experience that laid the foundation for his role as Captain of Sea Spirit Memorial.

In 1993,  Joe earned his captain’s license, a milestone that marked the beginning of his leadership at sea. From the remote waters of Alaska’s Inside Passage to the vibrant waters of the Florida Keys and beyond, he has honed his skills in vessel handling, safety, and environmental stewardship. His passion for the ocean has always been intertwined with a deep respect for its ecosystems, exemplified by his commitment to catch-and-release fishery practices and research efforts in Alaska.

Today, Captain Joe leads Sea Spirit Memorial’s voyages, offering compassionate and professional burial-at-sea services aboard the Sea Spirit. With his wealth of experience, he ensures every family has a safe, meaningful, and serene experience honoring their loved ones.

In his spare time, Captain Joe enjoys surfing, fishing, and traveling to warm, tropical destinations with his wife, Raina and their three children, sharing adventures and their mutual love for the ocean.

Raina Stoops is the founder of Sea Spirit Memorial, a business dedicated exclusively to ocean burials and ash scatterings at sea. Over the years, she has become a trusted resource for families and funeral professionals seeking guidance on burial-at-sea services and environmentally conscious ocean memorials.

Raina and her husband Joe—Captain of Sea Spirit Memorial—began their journey on the water in 1997 when they opened a small fishing venture together. After navigating significant changes in the fishing industry, they transitioned the business to focus entirely on providing families with peaceful and meaningful burial-at-sea services. Today, Sea Spirit Memorial is a thriving corporation that continues to grow each year, helping families find closure and serenity through the beauty of the ocean.

Having grown up in the Santa Cruz area, Raina developed a deep appreciation for the ocean and the surrounding mountains. Outside of her work, she enjoys sailing—especially when her daughter is in town to join her—staying active through fitness, and fitting in a game of tennis when she can. She also enjoys gardening, spending time with family, and traveling to water-centric destinations. Raina finds peace in simple outdoor moments, whether hiking through nature or relaxing with a good book at the beach.

Despite her professional accomplishments, Raina remains thoughtful and grounded, always striving for balance and continued personal growth.

Spencer’s career on the water started in 2010. Thanks to the Boy Scouts of America and the Small Boat Sailing Merit Badge, Spencer’s love for the water quickly became a lifelong passionate pursuit. As his knowledge of boating increased, he became a sailing instructor on Catalina Island from 2013-2016, simultaneously sailing on a local scholastic sailing team in Santa Cruz.

Spencer continued his education at the University of Hawaii at Hilo as a Marine Science Undergrad. While attending UH Hilo, he worked as a deckhand, divemaster, and marine technician for the university. During his time in Hawaii, Spencer and his fellow coaches launched a non-profit, “Manifest Youth Sailing Foundation”, with the goal to teach sailing to kids in the local community. Spencer worked from 2019 to 2025 as a director and instructor, personally educating kids of all ages.

In 2025, Spencer made the big jump from Hawaii to spend a summer in Sitka, Alaska, navigating the complex waterways of the Southeast Alaskan coastlines. After 15 years of sailing, educating, and driving boats, he qualified for his captain’s license and in 2025, officially obtained his credentials to operate vessels up to 100 tons.

Spencer is now back in his home state of California to elevate his career as a captain with Sea Spirit Memorial.

Outside of work, Spencer enjoys spending time with his parents, practicing martial arts, and learning new skills. With a lifelong dedication to the ocean, a strong background in education and vessel operations, and a genuine respect for the people he serves, Spencer is a valuable asset to the Sea Spirit Memorial team, and we’re grateful to have him aboard.

Wendy Ramm is a lifelong resident of Santa Cruz County, where she cultivated a deep connection to the community she has always called home. With a diverse background, Wendy began her career in construction before transitioning into law enforcement, where she served with distinction for several decades.

In 2021, Wendy retired from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office after a remarkable career, including her final five years as a detective for the Coroner’s Unit. Her compassion, professionalism, and ability to provide comfort during challenging times were hallmarks of her work.

Now, Wendy brings her love of the outdoors, dedication to service, and caring nature to Sea Spirit Memorial, ensuring that each family receives the respect and support they need as they honor their loved ones at sea.

 In her free time, Wendy enjoys sewing, making jewelry, playing golf, wine tasting and traveling to new destinations. Her creativity and adventurous spirit continue to shine in all aspects of her life.