Margaret Lucille Kidder

She was born on February 21, 1923 in Coalinga, California to Andrew and Willie (Murphy) Loftis and was one of 9 siblings.

Lucy married John Joseph “Jack” Carpenter in 1941. They lived in Coalinga before settling in Ojai soon after his discharge from the army following World War II. There they lived and raised their two sons, Robert and James. Jack passed away in 1970.

In 1972, Lucy married Theodore “Ted” Kidder and they too lived in Ojai until moving to Merced in 2005. Ted passed away in 2009.

Lucy is survived by her son, Robert (Suzanne) Carpenter of Merced; son, James (Barbara) Carpenter of Mesa, Arizona; stepson, Stan Kidder; and stepdaughter, Linda Mansell. She was Grandma to Michael (Adelia) Carpenter of Merced, Steven (Kirsten) Carpenter of Santa Rosa, Sheri Browning of Merced, Tyler Carpenter of Chandler, Arizona, and Danica (Bill) Cullins of Chandler, Arizona. She is also survived by 12 great-grandchildren and by three sisters, Mable Spears, Rita Waycasy, and Jean Vasche.

Grandma’s house was always a joyful, warm place, and the entire family has pleasant memories of the weeks spent visiting Ojai. She possessed a feisty, driven and strong-minded spirit, most likely gained from her days growing up in the oil fields of Coalinga during the Depression. She was, on occasion, sassy but always caring and spoiled her grandchildren whenever she could. She entertained them all as she practiced her own from of road rage on Ventura County highways in the 1970s and 1980s. She adored her great grandchildren and marveled at their endless energy. She saw the world through distinctive “Loftis eyes” that can still be seen in the faces of them all. She loved the color pink and was one of the first to own a Cabbage Patch doll. She could make the best jams, fresh squeezed orange juice, persimmon cookies and fudge.

She loved her family and those around her unconditionally. Those fortunate to have known her have been blessed. We will miss her dearly.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, 1490 B Street in Merced. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the organizations of their choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home.