Obituary of Juanita Whitehead Dinkler

Juanita W. Dinkler Juanita “Skip” Dinkler, 91, of Chico, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 8, from pneumonia. Born in Caruthersville, Missouri on Valentine’s Day of 1917, Skip moved to Anaheim, California as a young girl with her father, Samuel Whitehead. She married her high school sweetheart Theodore in 1937 and became a member of one of the original citrus growing families in Anaheim. While Ted Sr. perfected the art of custom farming, Skip raised their four children-- Theodore Jr., Penelope, Peter and Daniel--instilling in them the importance of hard work and community service. She was a prominent member of P.E.O., the Assistance League of Anaheim, and the Anaheim YMCA, where for nearly forty years she served in many capacities including camp chapel leader. She was a mentor for hundreds of Anaheim’s youth. Skip remained in Anaheim until 2002, when she moved to Chico, California to be near her daughter. Her husband of 66 years passed away later that same year. Though Skip is no longer with us, her memory will be cherished by all. Through her kindness and philanthropy, she touched the lives of many. And through the generosity of Skip and her entire family, doors were opened to everyone in their family or community that might have a need. In addition to her four children, she is survived by daughters-in-law Sandra and Jamie, nine grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and four very dear friends who also happen to be her sisters-in-law. In Chico, she is survived by Penny Gallaway and son-in-law Bruce, grandson Matt and his wife Jody, and great grand daughters Morgan and Jessica. A memorial service will be held Sunday, December 7, 2008, at 4:00 pm, at the Spiritual Living Center, 555 Flying V Street, Chico, 95928. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Anaheim YMCA Campership Fund, 240 S. Euclid Street, Anaheim, CA 92802.