Obituary: Benita Huerta
KS_Newton -- Benita Huerta passed away peacefully in her
sleep, on Friday, Dec. 28, 2012.
Benita was born in Pueblo, Colo., and was raised in Newton,
where she graduated from Newton High School. After graduating, Benita went to
work for the Boeing Company, where she was a “Rosie the Riveter” during World
War II.
Later, Benita became a head baker for the Harvey House chain
of restaurants and was otherwise known as a “Harvey Girl.” This job inspired a
lifelong love of cooking and baking, much to the joy of all who knew her.
Benita eventually left Kansas and moved to Stockton, Calif.,
following several of her family members. While in Stockton, attending a dance,
Benita met Fidel Huerta, whom she fell in love with and married in 1958. Fidel
and Benita enjoyed 54 wonderful years of marriage.
Benita put herself through beauty school and upon
graduating, landed a job at “Dorothy & Mabel’s Salon” on Stockton’s Miracle
Mile, where she worked as a professional beautician for nearly 30 years, until
her retirement.
Benita was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America,
Church Women United, and the Stockton Art League. She loved going to movies and
reading and enjoyed her monthly book club gatherings. Benita was also an
enthusiastic sports fan. She rooted faithfully for the San Francisco Giants, as
well as the 49ers.
Benita was a dedicated parishioner of the Presentation
Church of Stockton. She was devoted to God, her faith and her family and many
considered Benita their personal prayer warrior.
Benita is survived by her loving husband, Fidel Huerta; son,
Edward (Trena) Huerta; daughter, Sara (Karen) Huerta; sister, Felicia
(Charles-D) Nunez; brothers, Angel (Beatrice) Zavala, Eugene (Elizabeth)
Zavala, Lucio (Jean-D) Zavala, Albert (Maria Elena) Zavala; and many nieces and
nephews who were all dear to her heart.
Benita was greeted in Heaven by parents, Gabriel and Higinia
Zavala; sister, Carmen Olvera; and brother, Michael Zavala.
A Funeral Mass was held in Stockton, Calif., Jan. 7, 2013,
and a committal in San Joaquin Catholic Cemetery in Stockton.
