Charlotte Bequette Chrisman

On May 14, 2014, Charlotte Bequette Chrisman passed away peacefully in Visalia at the age of 102. Charlotte was a member of a well- known pioneer family from Lindsay where her parents, Paschal and Addie Gibson Bequette were local ranchers. The Bequette family came to California in 1853. Her great-grandmother was Mary Graves Clarke who came to California in 1846 as a member of the ill-fated Donner Party. Charlotte graduated from Strathmore High School in 1929 and attended Fresno State College. In 1934, she was the 2nd Orange Blossom Festival Queen. She and her sister, Margaret Bequette Abercrombie spent their teenage and college summers working at the Post Office and restaurant in Sequoia National Park. From 1932 to 1940 she worked for Southern California Edison Company in Tulare County.

Charlotte and Ira Jack Chrisman were married in 1940 and spent the rest of their lives in Visalia. She was active in the community as a volunteer and member of the Associated Charities of Visalia, Visalia Community Hospital Auxiliary, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Visalia Country Club, and Visalia Heritage Inc. She enjoyed the outdoors and her garden was always beautiful. Charlotte was often found walking or biking around her neighborhood enjoying everyone’s yard. She will be remembered by those who knew and loved her for her exceptional grace and dignity.

She is survived by her sons Mike(Barbara) and Steve(Patricia) with five grandchildren; Josh Chrisman (Julie), Jessica Nelson(Chris), Julie Konishi(Aaron), Randy Chrisman(Jacqueline) and Blair Chrisman. She was very proud to have eight great grandchildren; Tate Nelson, Dane Nelson, Dirk Nelson, Seth Chrisman, Kendall Chrisman, Kelsey Konishi, Ava Konishi and Alexander Chrisman.

Wishing no funeral service, Charlotte requested her remains be scattered near her husband Jack in the Sierra Nevada mountains on their beloved Drumm Valley ranch.

Because of her love of history, remembrances can be made to Visalia Heritage Inc.

The family wishes to give special thanks to her physician Dr. Parmod Kumar, her caregivers at Casa Grande Senior Care Home, and Gentiva Hospice all who treated her with much love and respect.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.

Arrangements under the direction of Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave, Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-8371