Obituaries
Obituaries
Published: May 25, 2005
Frances Irene Cleveland Williams
Frances Irene Cleveland Williams passed away peacefully at the home of her daughter, Karen, in Davis on Monday, May 16, at the age of 86. Frances was born July 10, 1918, one of seven children, to Irene Fields and George Cleveland of Yoakum County, Texas. Frances and her brothers and sisters attended a one-room schoolhouse, before she earned her degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, at the age of 20. Frances married Floyd Lewis Williams, a U.S. Naval officer and professor of engineering at TTU, on New Year’s Eve, 1943.
Mrs. Williams’ life’s passion was family, as a devoted sister, wife, aunt, and proud mother and “grandmommie.” She and her husband and two young daughters, Katrina and Karen, moved to Southern California in the 1950s. The family resided in North Hollywood, where Frances raised her girls and provided proper guidance in the selection of her sons-in-law. Mrs. Williams enjoyed cooking and baking, avidly followed the New York Stock Exchange, was a skilled seamstress, and raised beautiful roses and orchids. She was always nattily dressed, and especially astute and practical in word and deed. Once the girls finished college and married, the Williamses moved to Santa Paula, where they lived for 21 for 21 years, successfully operating the Forrest family citrus and avocado ranch, before moving to Davis in 1996.
Mrs. Williams volunteered many hours to Girl Scouts USA in North Hollywood, and at the Methodist Church and Blanchard Community Library in Santa Paula. She was an avid reader and strong believer in higher education. She generously assisted all her seven grandchildren I their educational pursuits, and celebrated each graduation.
Mrs. Williams enjoyed international travel, visiting much of the world with her husband. Two highlights of her travels were a visit to Italy in 1984 to welcome the birth of her youngest grandchild, and a two-week Alaska cruise in 1993, together with Floyd and their 11 progeny, to celebrate their 50th year of marriage!
Even in her final months, Mrs. Williams continued to give great joy and pride to her family and friends, as she valiantly battled her cancer, never complaining nor shredding a stitch of the great dignity of life she so aptly taught her children and grandchildren. Frances was preceded in death by her brothers, Glenn, Wayne and Jack, and sister, Neweta, all of Texas. She is survived by brother G. W. and sister Fatine, both of Texas. She will be greatly missed by her husband of 62 years, Floyd, who resides in Davis. Mrs. Williams was the fifth of her siblings to be married over 60 years! She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Katrina Steiner (husband James) of Ventura, and Karen Slinkard (husband Stephen) of Davis; and her grandchildren, Christopher Steiner and Matthew Steiner of Las Vegas, Nevada, Donovan Slinkard of Davis, Dustin Steiner of Washington, D.C., Megan Slinkard of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Shannon Steiner of San Diego, and Monica Slinkard, at college in Davidson, North Carolina. The four Steiner grandchildren were all raised in Santa Paula.
Her wisdom and impeccable style, sharp wit and warm humor, laughter and soft Texas accent will be greatly missed, but never forgotten by a family proud to have shared in her life. Mrs. Williams spent her last days peacefully with her daughters, and under the care of the wonderful people of Yolo County Hospice, to whom the family extends heartfelt thanks for their extraordinary caring and compassion.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Blanchard Community Library (children’s books) would be gratefully appreciated.
Dorothy Mary Stenshol
Lifelong Ventura County resident Dorothy Mary Stenshol, 81, of Fillmore, passed away Wednesday, May 18, 2005 following a long history of declining health.
Dorothy was born November 30, 1923 in Santa Paula. She attended local area schools and made many lifelong friends.
She was a caring and sensitive lady who always appreciated the help of others when she was in need. Dorothy was a strong and independent lady who will be remembered for her special sense of humor.
Dorothy is survived by her sister, Mildred Reid of Fillmore, and many close and dear friends.
A graveside service will be held Thursday, May 26 at 1 p.m. Pierce Brothers Santa Paula Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, it was Dorothy’s wish that contributions be made toward furthering the education of disadvantaged teenage girls.
Arrangements are under the direction of Skillin-Carroll Mortuary, 738 E. Santa Paula St., Santa Paula.
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