Amelia "Hollywood" Elena Rivera

Millie is survived by her loving husband Frank, of 27 years, her two sons Ronald (Christie) and Michael, and three sons through marriage, James, Randall (Heidi), and Keith (Leslie), her 15 grandchildren and six great grandchildren whom she loved with all of her heart. Millie is also survived by her siblings Alfonso, Anna, Bertha, Francis, Julie, and Maria.

Millie was born November 25, 1952 to Jesus and Maria in Hollister, California, and she was one of eight children. She spent time in Northern California before moving to the Bakersfield area where she spent most of her life. She graduated from Foothill High School, and attended Cal Poly SLO.

Millie led a very full and active life. She was constantly on the go and enjoyed playing sports, camping, traveling, reading, volunteering, going to concerts, playing with her grandchildren, date nights with Frank, and time with her friends and family. She was an athlete who excelled in softball, soccer, bowling, golf, and anything else thrown her way. Even though she might not admit it, some of her best times were spent on the golf course with her husband Frank.

She loved to spend time with her grandchildren in any way that she could. She could always be found in the stands at their sports or school events, helping with the first day of school, reading with them, playing with them and calling to check in on them. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren had a special place in her heart.

She retired in 2015 from Kern Oil and Refining Company after 40 years in various positions, and lastly, as an Operations Coordinator. Millie was well loved and known as a legend for her time with the Kern Oil family. She was grateful for the years she spent there, the friends she considered family, and the wonderful memories of her career.

After being single for many years, she was eventually setup on a date with Frank. The two quickly became inseparable and later married in 1994. They spent the next 27 years laughing, traveling, golfing, playing cards, spending time with family and friends, chasing their grandchildren around, having weekly date nights, and simply enjoying life together. Anyone who saw Millie and Frank together could see their love for one another. Millie fiercely loved Frank throughout the 32 years they spent together as he was truly the love of her life.

Millie blessed her family and friends with her endless love, kindness, unselfishness, and generosity. She was a wonderful wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother with a heart of gold and an infectious laugh that we will never forget. She will always be remembered for her big heart and hugs, cheerfulness and strong faith. She will be greatly missed, but her impact on this world will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to St. Jude’s Hospital or the Wounded Warriors Project.