Lillian E. Riesen

Born October 1st, 1914 and died on March 2^nd, 2007

Born in Castor, Alberta, Canada

Her parents were Dora and Robert Hansen whose families were descended from Germany and Denmark. The family was living in Anaheim, CA before moving to Castor, Canada in 1910 with six of their seven children to farm. Prior to their leaving, Robert Hansen owned a nursery which produced seeds and grafts for half of the orange groves in Anaheim at that time. They returned to California in 1919 with Lillian and the rest of their children to Pasadena and then to Pomona.

Lillian graduated from Pomona High School in 1931. She married Melvin Witt, son of Joseph and Nettie Witt, in 1935 and they lived in Orange. They had a son, Michael in 1941 and a daughter, Sharon in 1947. Tragically, Melvin and Michael passed away in 1951.

She married Gerald Riesen in 1959 and, again, became a homemaker. Gerald had a daughter, Marian, and they lived together for many years. Gerald passed away in 1993.

Lillian was a bridal consultant for Bullocks, a representative for Avon Cosmetics for over 20 years, and a crossing guard at Newport Elementary School for many years as well as an Ambassador for John Wayne Airport.

The Witt family were ranchers with many orange groves in Orange and Anaheim. They purchased property in Newport Beach in 1890 and later built a summer home on the Balboa Peninsula. Lillian lived in that home for many years until moving to Park City, Utah to live with her daughter, Sharon, and son-in-law to receive healthcare for an extended illness.

She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Woodbury, son-in-law, Glen Woodbury and stepdaughter, Marian Borden…Three grandchildren, Charlie Anderson, Leanna Murphy and Natalie Borden, and three great-grandchildren, Sage Anderson, Chas Anderson and Trevor Trujillo as well as several nieces, nephews and their families.

Lillian traveled extensively during her lifetime, took many cruises and visited every state in the United States. She was a grand woman who woke up every morning with a smile on her face and was happy to be alive. She will be greatly missed.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, March 10^th, 11:00 a.m., at Christ Church by the Sea United Methodist, 1400 W. Balboa Blvd., Newport Beach. Burial will be in Fairhaven Cemetery in Santa Ana.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Lillian’s name at 2000 Circle of Hope, Salt Lake City, UT 84112.