DELORES (DEE ANN, DE) HINDS
July 17, 1931 - May 4, 2021
De joined her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in heaven on May 4, 2021 at the age of 89.
She was born July 17, 1931 in Geneva, Indiana to Karl and Frannie Wade. She spent her youth in Indiana.
In 1949, she married Bill Hedge and together they had one son, Thomas. Tragically, Bill died on December 21,1950. In 1954, De moved with her son from Franklin, Indiana to Bakersfield, California. De was very independent and worked hard to support Tom.
In 1958, De married Bernard Naworski and together they had three sons, Bernard Jr., Andrew and Joseph. They were married for 25 years.
In the early 1970's, De began her career in the administration department at Bakersfield Community Hospital in Bakersfield, CA.
Always the intellectual, hard working and professional women she was, at the age of 50, De decided to pursue her college degree. In 1985 she earned her Bachelor of Science degree from The University of San Francisco. Two years later, in 1987, she earned her Master's in Public Administration, also from USF.
Shortly after receiving her Master's, she became the Administrator at Bakersfield Community Hospital. In 1984, she furthered her career by becoming the Administrator and CEO at Kern Valley Hospital in Lake Isabella, CA. She retired from that position in 1991. However even in retirement, her desire to stay active pushed her to work in the family business, Stockdale Insurance Agency, alongside 3 of her sons. She continued her part-time work until she was 87 years old - loving every second!
On January 1, 1996, after many years sharing love and happiness, De married her longtime companion, Dr. Ramon Hinds. Sadly, he was killed in an auto accident in December of that same year.
De loved many things: traveling... seeing many wonderful places throughout the US as well as abroad, playing bridge several days a week up until her passing, going to church on Sunday mornings followed by a full day of watching football (she didn't care which team), a cold Diet Pepsi in the can, a tall beer in an icy mug, a margarita on the rocks or a glass of Sauvignon Blanc on ice, and especially spending time with her family. She was a member of The Bakersfield Women's Club, Shafter Womens Club, Bakersfield Republican Women's Federation and St Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.
De was predeceased by her 3 husbands. She is survived by her sons Tom (Bobbie), Bernie ( Shelly), Andy (Julie) and Joe (Ed); her 10 grandchildren, Taylor, Madison, Natasha, Bobbi, Riley, Lauren (Tyler), Lyndsey, Allyse, Zach and Josh as well as 3 great grandchildren, Ethan, Callie and Joshua; her brother Bill (Elaine), sisters Karen (Russ), Patti; numerous nieces and nephews; and last but not least her beloved sweet dog Sophie!
A memorial service and celebration of De's life will be held Saturday May 22, at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel at Garces Memorial High School, 2800 Lima Linda Drive, Bakersfield, CA
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite animal rescue charity!