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BORN
1929
DIED
2009
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Olivia Behill Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Olivia Behill
Diana Cornejo
March 20, 2009
My grandma was born in Texas in 1929. Coming to Bakersfield in her early teens she met my grandpa, Raymond Behill. Like any other person my grandma was filled with hopes and dreams. Hope for her future to be a bright one, and dreams to one day have a family.....and a family she did! At the age of 17 she was pregnant with her first son Raymond Behill Jr; all knew him as "Wedo", who went to be with our Lord. After having her first son, grandma knew she wanted a large family. In the words of my grandpa Raymond "I want a baseball team".....end result...12 children....8 sons, & 4 daughters. Her love for her them was endless. The challenges and trials that she faced could only be handled by the special woman that she was; those never stopped her, or got in the way from being a wonderful mother and grandma. She made every effort to be at her grandchildren's' events whether it was at school, a sports event, graduation or wedding. She would always arrive with her hair nicely combed, her red lipstick in tact, and of course her big smile. Grandma was very proud of all her grandchildren's accomplishments. She loved it when her grandson Richard would stop by for visits, arriving in style with the county fire truck.
Grandma was very energetic. As she was quoted on her 56Th birthday saying, "I get up early, and I go to bed late, I don't have time to be tired". Along with her energy she was very independent, feisty, stubborn.....fiesty....stubborn.....and had an extremely strong willed personality that kept her going all these years. She definitely proved these qualities as they shined through until her very last breathe. Anyone who knew Mrs. Behill, knows what I am talking about. She had the first word and always the last, she was never hesitant to jump right into the middle of the conversation to add her two cents. One specific memory....it was our "girls Friday night" grandma, my mom, aunts and their daughters went to Garden Spot for dinner. There was a conversation at the table, her granddaughter Stephie began to talk...and of course, grandma stepped right in. As Stephs voice got louder, so did grandmas....Steph says "grandma wait its my turn to talk...grandma....grandma....grandma....finally, she sat there with her hand raised waiting her turn, the table erupted in laughter. Grandma loved her conversations with her comadres. Even though they could not always get together as often as they would have liked for visits, they would sit on the phone talk forever, and pray the rosary.
Her door was always open to all who needed anything at anytime. She could always be counted on; that's the heart of the selfless woman that she was. The grand-kids that were fortunate enough to live in her home I know will carry those memories forever in their hearts.
The holidays were great; always full of fun and laughter. We would gather at the house some sitting at the table, most sitting on the couch and floor with our plate full of food, and a glass of punch that we never spilled. None of us minded, we just loved being together, whether we were all in the house, or all in the den. For the grand children who remember the gatherings in the den, grandma would be at the head of the table, apron on, perm rollers in place, hands on her hips, and of course....the red lipstick. If the mess wasn't being made in the house or the den, we definitely covered that on Easter Sunday with all the confetti eggs that would spread all over the yard. Grandma was one who loved to celebrate every holiday, Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Years.....Although for New Years, she would make all of us sit on the floor especially as it grew closer to midnight, we never knew why or asked....later finding out the sound of shotguns wasn't normal in any of our friends neighborhoods. All of these memories that were created will NEVER be forgotten.
I believe I can speak for my family when I say, there's no place like grandmas. A place where we could be kids, run, be on the teeter totter, play hide go seek in around and even on grandpas carry-all, play basketball, pester her chickens and of course eat all the wonderful home made food she would prepare for us. Menudo, tamales, tortillas saturated in butter, persimmon cookies, empenadas...the list is endless.
On behalf of my aunts, uncles and family, thank you all so much for paying your respects, offering your condolences, thoughts and continued prayers. God Bless you all.
Grandma, you will always be missed, we love you, thank you for all of these unforgettable memories!!
-Love your grandchildren
Kim and Pam Newton
March 20, 2009
Our hearts and prayers are with the entire Behill Family. May God continue to strengthen you during this time.
Minnie Hernandez
March 19, 2009
Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the Behill family.May your memories of your mother's love bring you comfort and peace, now and through the days ahead.
RAMONA ESCALERA
March 19, 2009
Thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers. My COMADRE will be greatly missed.
COMADRE,
Becki Andrade
March 19, 2009
Dear Behill Family: So sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. Looking at her picture, I can tell she was LOVED so very much. I know the lost of a parent is very difficult to cope with at times. Holding precious memories helps to heal the heart. Our prayers are with you at this most difficult time. With our Deepest Sympathy,
The Andrade Family (Richard, Charlie, Becki, Steve and Eddie).
Connie Cornejo
March 19, 2009
To All of the Behill Family,
You are in our prayers. Olivia was a very special woman who dedicated her life to her family. Allow all of the wonderful memories to bring you comfort in the days ahead. Please know that you are in the thoughts of so many who share your grief.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Ernie and Connie Cornejo and family
Connie Cornejo
March 19, 2009
Dearest Patsy, Sam and family,
We are saddened by the passing of Olivia. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. May your faith bring you strength and peace in the days ahead. You are so fortunate to have so many wonderful memories to comfort you at this time. We too have terrific memories of great New Year's Eve parties in Olivia's den when we danced, ate menudo and shared hours of laughter. We will always remember her fiestiness as well as her kindness and openheartedness. Her presence will be forever missed .
With our love and deepest sympathy,
Connie, Ernie and family
Angelo Barraza
March 19, 2009
I am very sorry for the passing of your mother, i have none the behill family for 32 years olivia used to be my school teacher, me and lawrence are good friends and i will miss olivia greatly, my prayers are with you.
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