Irene Wittmayer

06/25/1911 - 09/30/2010

Irene Beatrice Wittmayer
(Bea)
Irene Beatrice Wittmayer (Bea), passed away peacefully the morning of September 30, 2010. She was born on June 25, 1911 in Sheffield, Texas, to Pinkney Sherrod and Audrey Meinecke. When Bea was 12 years old, she and her family moved by car from Texas to California, crossing the Southern California desert on the wooden Plank Road. They settled initially in La Jolla and as a young girl, she helped in her mother's restaurant before the family moved to Santa Barbara, where she lived for several years. Bea and her first husband, Harold Edwards, had one daughter Beatrice Gwendolyn before the marriage ended in divorce. Later Bea married Stan Lane, and had a second daughter, Roxanne. The family moved to Santa Maria where Bea worked for PG&E for 17 years. In 1970 Stan died, and for some years Beatrice remained a widow.
In 1975 Bea met Ray Wittmayer of Southern California, while on a group golf trip to Hawaii. Ray recalls noticing her beautiful smile right away as well as her impressive golf swing! They married on May 1, 1976, and have been devoted to each other ever since, spending many happy days camping with the Traveleers, fishing, golfing and enjoying the company of family and friends.
Some of the fondest memories of her grandchildren were the many picnics at Waller Park, and the delicious meals at "Grandma's house." She was a master at all types of handiwork, whether it was knitting, crocheting, needlepoint or hand-hooked rugs. She also loved to paint, both watercolor and oil, and her many paintings of people, nature and flowers are enjoyed in the homes of family members. Bea loved to garden, and her fuchsias were especially lovely and prolific with blooms (or "ballerinas" and "fairies" as her grandchildren fancied them).
Bea loved the Lord, and was a true believer in Jesus Christ. She also loved her family and grandchildren, and helped us understand our roots. She and Ray continued to be pillars in the family always making everyone feel connected to family, and certain of their love.
When her grandchildren were young, Bea had little cups for each with their names on them, ready for hot chocolate; and a candy jar was always ready with peppermints, toffee, and caramels when they visited. When it was time to leave her house after a visit, Bea showered her grandchildren with quite elaborate "Good-byes" standing out by the driveway, waving and blowing kisses. What a send-off she'd give us! And now, our dear one, it's time to give you a "send-off." We lovingly send you off to the arms of the Lord with hearts over-flowing with gratitude and love, knowing we shall miss you so very much!
Beatrice was preceded in death by her daughter, Bea. She is survived by her husband, Ray, of Santa Maria; her daughter Roxanne; her grandchildren; Virginia, Valerie, Victoria, Ted, Jeffrey and Jason. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren Tom, Heidi, Danita, Dan, Eric, Ruben, Patrick, Karina, Lydia, Emily, Gavin, Jack, and Jenna, as well as her great-great-grandchildren Logan, Summer, Kai and Abigail, with three more on the way.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to City of Hope at http://www.cityofhope.org
Arrangements are under the direction of Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary, Crematory and Memory Gardens.
Dudley-Hoffman
Mortuary & Crematory
(805) 922-8463
www.dudleyhoffmanmortuary.com