Leota Ellen Striplin died Dec. 16, 2009 at the age of 86 in Fresno, at the Veterans Community Living Center. She was born Jan. 23, 1923 in Hamlin, Texas. She married Al Striplin in Nov. 5, 1941, and remained married for 53 years until Al’s passing in 1994. Leota was a resident of Mariposa since 1986. Her and her husband owned property about seven miles from town.

For years she and Al were Mr. and Mrs. Santa both in parades and in personal appearances. She, like her husband Al, was involved with the local Little League for years. She served in the Women’s Army Corps in 1944 and served as a mail clerk making men available for other jobs. She was president of the Mariposa County Senior Nutrition Site Council in 1988-89. She was named Citizen of the Year by the Golden Oaks Lions Club in 93-94.

Her active roles for over a 10-year period of time in Little League, Parks and Recreation, Mariposa Women’s Veterans Group, Women’s Veterans Memorial in Washington DC, Veterans Administration Volunteer Services in Fresno, her lead role in the American Cancer Society daffodil sales, and her memberships in Kiwanis, Golden Oaks Lions Club, American Legion, and associate membership in Viet Nam Veterans of America got her named Mariposa County Senior Lady of the Year (1998) by the board of supervisors of Mariposa County.

Leota had three children: Lorraine, Dan and Patricia. She is now survived by her son Dan Striplin, her sister JoAnn Fannin, 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, also by other family members and friends. She will be missed by many but mostly everyone will miss her smile.

Leota has been interned at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery with her husband. There will be a memorial service at the Veterans Community Living Center on Feb. 20 at 10 a.m. Another service will be held at the cemetery on Feb 22 at 10 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the local American Legion or the Women’s Veterans Memorial.