Delphina Maria "Lee-Way-Nit" Santos Rayner

1917 - 2011

Delphina Maria Rayner, her Yokuts Indian name is Lee-Way-Nit, age 93 and a lifelong member of the Tule River Indian Reservation passed away May 5, 2011 in Porterville. Delphina was born November 17, 1917 in Porterville to Gregorio and Alotha Santos and is a member of the Tule River Tribe. She attended Sherman Indian High School in Riverside and married Mr. Thomas Rayner at a ceremony in Visalia. Delphina was plain spoken and you always knew where you stood with her. She enjoyed working in her flower and vegetable gardens and what vegetables she couldn't can or fix in a meal would be given to others. She sewed many things for herself and family; made a great roast turkey dinner and would break out into spontaneous dancing if the mood hit her. Delphina had a soft spot in her heart for animals and over the years had numerous cats and dogs as pets but none were more special than her beloved cat Susie. She has been a Tule River Elder for many years. Delphina was preceded in death by her daughter, Ophelia Velasquez. Husband, Thomas Rayner. 3 brothers: Gorman Santos, Antonio Santos and Bob Santos. 3 sisters: Victoria Santos, Rosa Lenares and Virginia Hunter. Surviving family includes 3 sons: Ray Flores Sr., Arnold Gene Rayner and Jesse Dean Rayner. 2 daughters: Arlene Rayner, Laverne Rayner and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Visitation will be 2:00pm to 8:00pm Tuesday May 10th at Whitehurst-Peters-Loyd Chapel in Porterville. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated 10:00am Wednesday May 11, at Tule River Reservation Mater Dolorosa Catholic Mission, followed by interment at the Tule River Lower Reservation Cemetery. For additional information contact Whitehurst-Peters-Loyd Funeral & Cremation Service: 195 N. Hockett St., Porterville. (559) 784-6485