On Monday morning, August 29, 2016, Lois Hampton Kashian was called home by her Savior Jesus Christ. Her passing came very suddenly after a short stay in Kaweah Delta Hospital. She was 80 years “young”.
Lois was the youngest of three children, born to Mary E. and Walter F. Hampton, Sr., on November 6, 1935 in South Gate, California. Lois was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Mary Hampton, her husband, Simon Kashian and her elder sister, Dorothy May Berri. She is survived by her dearly loved older brother, Walter F. Hampton Jr., of Hemet, California and his wife Dorrine and her sister by marriage, Pat Hampton Swanson. Lois is also survived by her only child, Diana Marye Kashian Gayer and husband Larry of Visalia . Also, the “lights of her life”, her grandchildren, Jared James Mihran Hampton Gayer of Visalia, Jacob Matthew Gayer and wife, Yuki of Exeter, Jessica Renee Gayer of Lemon Cove and Joshua Andrew Gayer of Grand Teton, WY; five great granddaughters, Autumn, Joy, Gini, and Kaitlynn (Gayer) Nelson of Sacramento and Miley Marye Gayer of Exeter; nieces and nephews that are so precious to her; and her two best friends of too many years to count, Marilyn Hickman and Bertha McKinney both of Visalia.
After residing in Los Angeles for several years, the family moved to Tipton and Tulare to get away from the rat race. She then graduated from Tulare Union in 1953. Lois immediately began her career in banking at the age of 18, as a teller. She continued with that career until she retired from Valley Business Bank as a teller in March 2016. She held many different job titles at different banks, stopping only to be with Diana during her teen years and retiring after Diana married. Diana was her only child and was born in 1960. She gave Diana the greatest gift she could ever give her when she married Simon Kashian in 1970 and he became her daddy. Lois was active in many things over the years; Brownies and Girl Scout Leaders, Guardian Secretary of Jobs Daughters Bethel #268, De Molay Sweetheart Chaperone almost every other weekend for two years, a member of Martha Washington Order of Eastern Star and she worked alongside Simon in the Masonic Lodge #720 events, American Legion activities when he was State Commander and many activities supporting St. Mary’s Armenian Church in Yettem. She finally was able to do something for “Her”, when she became involved in the Woman’s’ Trade Club, eventually becoming “Head Trader”.
Lois attended the Road Church in Visalia faithfully, where she renewed her love of the Lord. She also sat in the front pews where she could see and hear Jared play and sing in the Worship band.
The greatest joy of her life was attending her grandson Jared’s many musical endeavors, his choir performances and his plays and his vocal recitals. She also loved traveling in her later years; her favorite place being Hawaii. She and Simon even joined Larry and Diana on their honeymoon to Hawaii!! They were so much fun, Larry invited them and they gladly went.
Lois loved people, and people loved her! It was no uncommon sight at Valley Business Bank to see Lois’ teller line overflowing with customers; insisting to only be helped by Lois. Lois had a heart of gold, and a sweet spirit, but she was a strong, independent woman. She will forever be missed by anyone who knew her.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 from 5 – 9 p.m. at Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Avenue in Visalia. Funeral services will follow at Miller Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at 11 a.m. with burial at Visalia Public Cemetery.
Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.
Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-8371.
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