Helen Witcher of Camarillo, 91, passed away on May 22, 2010 after an illness of several weeks at St. John's Pleasant Valley Hospital.

She is preceded in death by her husband James H. Witcher, her sister Mary Gavin, and a granddaughter Nicole Franco.

Helen was a dedicated and proud homemaker and as a military wife, she lived in Illinois, Texas, Alaska, South Carolina and Germany. Upon her husband's retirement from the US Army, she and her family settled in Carpinteria. She later moved to Oxnard in 1979 and was a parishioner of Santa Clara Church. Continuing her travels, she visited family and friends across the country, including many trips to Las Vegas.

After the passing of her husband, she moved into Leisure Village of Camarillo. Some of her favorite TV shows were on the Food Channel, and she really enjoyed Dancing with the Stars. In her quiet time, she would pray the rosary, and make special intentions for her family.

She is survived by her daughters, Elene Franco (spouse Bob) of Carpinteria, Nancy Hicks (spouse Doug )of Ft. Smith, Ark., sons, Dr. James Witcher (spouse Vicki) of Camarillo, LtCol.(ret.) Carl Witcher (spouse Melaney) of Woodbridge, Va., sisters, Tommye Fryer of Goleta, Angelina Hayes of Fullerton, Rosie Adair of Santa Barbara, brothers, Fred Lopez of Santa Barbara, Mike Lopez of Sacramento, also ten grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

Helen was loved by many and will be truly missed by her family and friends. We know she is enjoying eternal life with the Lord and rejoins her husband, relatives, and friends who have gone before her. Her family expresses many thanks and gratitude for the compassionate care provided by the doctors, nurses and aides at Pleasant Valley Hospital during her final weeks.

Visitation at 6 p.m. and a vigil at 7 p.m. will be on Friday May 28, 2010 at the Griffin Family Funeral Chapels, 1075 E. Daily Dr. Camarillo. A Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday May 29, 2010 at Padre Serra Parish in Camarillo. Burial will follow at Ivy Lawn Cemetery in Ventura under the direction of Griffin Family Funeral Chapels; 805-482-1166