Passed Away On: May 18, 2022
It is with a heavy heart that we announce our mother, Lanetta Bishop passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. Lanetta Jane Benigar (Elliott) was born in Angles Camp, California to Jessie and Beryl Benigar. Lanetta moved to Hollister when she was a young girl, where she had deep family ties dating back to the 1850s. She continued to live in Hollister the rest of her life.
Lanetta was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years, Perry, in 2003. She is survived by her three sons, Paul, (spouse Sue) Phillip (spouse Shawna) and Peter, and her four grandchildren Alexander, Perry, Alyssa and Hannah and extended family and friends.
Lanetta graduated from San Benito High School in 1951 and in 2013 she was inducted into the Baler’s Hall of Fame, representing the 1950s decade. While raising her sons, Lanetta began working for the school district as a teacher’s aide, a migrant aide and then in the school’s front office for 28 years.
Lanetta was a force. She was involved in many community causes over the course of her life. She was a Girl Scout leader, a long-time Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital volunteer, a member of the Hospital Auxiliary and the Foundation Board of Directors. She was named Donor of the Year in 2011 by the hospital foundation. A past president of her much loved Native Daughters of the Golden West parlor and a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, where she held several offices including Gabilan-Past-Regent. In 2012, Lanetta was named “Woman of the Year” by the San Benito Chamber of Commerce for her many causes and tireless efforts. Veteran’s organizations, historical societies and Giants baseball were among her other passions as were golf and bridge, she was proficient at both.
Services will be held Wednesday, June 8 at 10:00 am at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Tres Pinos with a reception to follow at Paines. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Lanetta’s memory to Hazel Hawkins Hospital’s Foundation or Pet Friends, or any charity of your choice. She will be missed.