Viola Loleta Witmer

Viola Loleta Witmer February 3, 1916 - September 1, 2011 Viola Loleta Witmer was born in Johnstown, PA, to Reverend C.C. and Elsie Mae Louder. Loleta married Paul Emery Witmer in 1936 and they celebrated 59 years together before his death in 1996. She was gifted musically and could play piano both by sight and by ear. She played violin and viola in her high school orchestra and, for a time, in the Cleveland Symphony. Loleta was a "gentle and quiet spirit which is very precious in the sight of God", I Peter 3:4, and she used her musical talent to serve Him by playing piano and organ many years in her church. She suffered a hard blow when her youngest son, Noel, was killed in Viet Nam, but set the example of "persevering in trial" as so many others have had to do. Loleta was an example of the Proverbs 31 "excellent wife whose price is worth far above rubies" and loved her children enough to let them go to pursue their dreams. As a mother-in-law, she was supportive and uncritical-the kind every person hopes for. We all loved her very dearly and will miss her, but following her example of faith in Jesus Christ, we will be with her again in heaven and we "do not sorrow as others who have no hope", I Thessalonians 4:13. Those who have gone before are her mother and father, Reverend C.C. and Elsie Mae Louder; her husband Emery Witmer; son and daughter-in-law, Noel Witmer and Donna Witmer Roth; sister and brother-in-law, Elsie Mae and Paul Johnson; brother, Robert "Bob" Louder. Those who remain are her sister and brother-in-law, Myra and Paul Flickinger; son and daughter-in-law, Phil and Betty Witmer; daughter and son-in-law, Ann and Lynn Sapp; daughter and son-in-law, Pamela and Arnold Simmons; Grandchildren Cheryle and Mario Delzoppo; Denise and Michael Short; Sandra and Joe Adams; Suzanne and Dave Washburn; Melissa and Alfred Galafate; Amy and Doug Jenkins; Paul Sapp; 16 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great granddaughter. The family wants to thank Carrington of Shafter and its wonderful and caring staff who took such good care of her and Hoffman Hospice for their help and care in her final days. There will be a graveside service at the North Kern Cemetery on Garces Hwy in Delano, CA on Thursday, September 8th at 10:00 a.m. Milt Cole of RiverLakes Community Church will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kern County Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 9530 Hageman Road, Suite B #163, Bakersfield, CA 93312.