Deedee will always be remembered as a straight shooter with a dynamic sense of intrigue. She loved to fish for the elusive rainbow trout and spend time with her family. She lived her life with a witty sense of humor and an endless passion for learning.
Born in Palm Springs, CA on March 10, 1927, Deedee is a sixth generation Californian and the only daughter of the late Frank and Melba Bennett. She spent most of her childhood being mischievously cute, running around enjoying the desert and helping her parents at the Deep Well Guest Ranch. She graduated from Finch Junior College in NY and also studied at UCLA.
In 1958, she fell head over heels for the late Dr., Ralph Bering Busch Jr. After knowing each other for only a couple of months, the sparkle in her eye told the whole story. As with everything she did in life, she committed wholeheartedly and they married on January 31, 1959. After a honeymoon to the Far East, Ralph and Deedee would settle in Los Angeles to begin a family. After the first two boys were born, the decision was made to move their growing family “far out into the country” where they have left their mark ever since.
Ventura County benefited greatly from many of Deedee’s talents. Her first great talent was being a loving wife and supporter to Ralph. Next, and with the same amount of energy and determination, she was a master ringleader raising six active kids and chasing them around the county. As if that wasn’t enough, Deedee spent her remaining free time volunteering and selflessly supporting those causes with her wisdom and generosity. She made a difference for many organizations, including the Assistance League of Ventura County, the Museum of History and Art of Ventura and Interface Children & Family Services.
Deedee is preceded in death by her parents Frank and Melba Bennett and the true love of her life for 48 years, Ralph.
She is survived by her six children and spouses: Ralph (Trey) and Mindy, Pete and Gaby, Jeff and Sandi, Greg and Pam, Lyn and Sean Essig, Paco and Patty, as well 18 grandchildren, one great-grandson, and her loving older brother, Pete.
The family wishes to thank all the great people of Community Memorial Hospital and Livingston Memorial for their wonderful concern and care as well as her friends Dr. Tom Kong, Dr. Robert Bernstein, Dr. Phil Bacon and Dr. John Tesman.
A celebration of life and Mass for this great woman will take place at 4 p.m. on Friday, April 27, 2012 at the Mission San Buenaventura, 211 E. Main St., Ventura, CA. A reception will follow at the Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main Street, Ventura, CA.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that all donations be made to the Museum of Ventura County Endowment Fund, 100 E. Main St. Ventura, CA 93001 or the Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association @ www.lmvna.org.
She lived. She laughed. She loved.
