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Josephine Spitzer, born on March 22 1928 in Healdton, Oklahoma died peacefully at her home in Bakersfield, July 28th.
The only daughter of Henry Jack Richardson and Ila Francis (Tyler) Richardson, she came west with her family, which included her older brother, Jack and younger brother, Terrel, in 1939.
She spent most of her childhood growing up in the Cuyama Valley. Josephine graduated from Maricopa High School and married John Spitzer in October of 1947.
They built their first home and farmed in Cuyama until 1950 when they moved to Bakersfield and then on to Delano in 1953. There they continued farming and raised their daughter Julie, born in 1953. John and Josephine moved back to Bakersfield in 1984 when John semi-retired from Spitzer Farms.
Josephine was a self proclaimed homemaker who delighted in preparing lavish dinner parties for many lucky friends and family. She loved decorating, sewing, creating beautiful mosaics and glass art pieces. Jo, as she was affectionately known to many, was constantly baking and giving her culinary delights, along with a smidgen of her sage advice to her many acquaintances.
With her family, Josephine enjoyed trips to the Coast, Yosemite and Sequoia. Returning to Oklahoma and Texas was a tradition she enjoyed sharing with her mother and father until their deaths.
She and John often embarked on adventuresome road trips in their later years with their favorite traveling companions, Oscar and Mary Ethel Spitzer.
Josephine is survived by her daughter, Julie (Spitzer) Bear of Bishop, CA; grandchildren: Matt and Heidi (Bear) Ramsey of Columbus, North Carolina, Todd and Ellen Bear of Belvedere, Illinois and Lindsie Bear of Oakland, CA; and 7 great-grandchildren: Dustan, Brittney, Shelby, Tanner, Cody, Amber and Kylee.
During her extended illness, she was lovingly comforted by her nieces, Susan Richardson, of Camarillo, Shirley and Joe Garrett of Bakersfield and cousin MaryAnn Baker, formerly of Bakersfield.
Her family would like to give special thanks to her incredible caregiver Shawn Archuleta who was with Josephine for several years, watched over her and gave her exceptional care. They also wish to thank the staff of Optimal Hospice Care, especially Sharon Hicks, her beloved nurse.
A graveside celebration of Josephines life will take place on August 6, 2005, at Hillcrest Memorial Park, at 10:00.
For those who wish, a visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 8:45 a.m. in the chapel.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations to one's favorite charity be made in memory of Josephines generosity, strength, and courage.
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