Pauline Opal Willmirth

Pauline passed away on Monday, August 13, 2012. She was born on October 5, 1922 in Warner, Oklahoma, the second of four children born to William and Nora Addy. The family moved to California in 1927, eventually settling on the Murray Land Company ranch, where her father was the manager. Pauline graduated from Avenal High School and attended Coalinga Junior College. She also worked part-time at the Coalinga Police Department where she met a young officer, Melvin Willmirth. They married on August 23, 1944 in Oakland Ca., while Mel was serving in the Navy.

After the war, they returned to Coalinga where Mel resumed his position as Superintendent of the Fresno County Industrial Farm, better known as the road camp.

On December 30, 1949, a daughter, Melinda Jo was born and within six months the family moved to Kearney Park where Mel opened the Kearney Park road camp. In 1954 Mel was elected Fresno County sheriff, a position he held for 20 years.

Mel and Pauline made lasting friendships during the 10 years they lived in the Kearney Park-Rolinda area. They also enjoyed their many friends from Belmont Country Club. After Mel passed away, Pauline continued to play golf and later bridge with many of those friends who had also become widows.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Mel; step-daughter Beverly Pennington; step-son Don Willmirth; brother Alfred Addy; and sister Ida Olsen.

She is survived by her daughter, Melinda Jo and her husband, John Johnson; sister Helen Smith; daughter-in-law Gina Evans; grandson Mel Willmirth; and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Pauline’s Life will be held at the Northpointe Community Church, 4625 W. Palo Alto Ave., Friday August 24, 2012 at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.