Dorothy and Lester are survived by their three children, Janet Villa (Steve), Tim Hansen (Barbara) and Ed Hansen (Sarah Blanchette), eight grandchildren, Philip Villa (Rachel), Lauren Gonzalez (Rick), Paul Villa, Arianna Villa, Hans Hansen (Rebecca Worsham), Samantha Gramm (Scott), Sam Hansen, and Nik Blanchette, and five great-grandchildren, Everett Villa, Delilah Villa, Amara Gonzalez, Sebastian Gonzalez and Mateo Gonzalez.
Dorothy enjoyed growing up on a farm in Fresno, working hard alongside her family. She was particularly fond of selling produce with her father at the Fresno farmer’s market. She attended Fresno State College and San Diego State earning a bachelor’s degree. She became a teacher and helped support Lester while he attended college. She was a homemaker and was very involved with the church. She enjoyed sharing her faith and encouraging others. She loved her family and was always thrilled to hold her grand babies and great-grand babies.
Lester grew up on a farm near Caruthers. He enjoyed raising poultry and built a large chicken house for which he won a state Future Farmers of America award and a scholarship to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. After two years majoring in poultry at Cal Poly, Lester had a change of heart. He enlisted in the Navy and became an aviator. Upon completion of his enlistment, he returned to Cal Poly and earned a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural engineering. He worked for the USDA Soil Conservation Service helping farmers with sustainable practices. He retired after 27 years. He loved to work with wood and honed his skills during retirement. His proudest achievements were his family and a letter of commendation from President Jimmy Carter.
Dorothy and Lester met at a football game while they were attending college. Lester said that he never had eyes for anyone else after meeting Dorothy. They wed on September 6th, 1958.
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