Obituary of Pearl V Kidder

Pearl V Kidder, 96, of Santa Cruz, died Saturday, Jan 23, 2016 at her home. Pearl was born June 1, 1919 in Pacific Grove, daughter of Irving and Ruby Hutcherson Wheat. She married William Kidder on Jan 18, 1948 in Fresno, CA. He preceded her in death, as did her sister Sally King and brother Irving Wheat. She is survived by 3 daughters: Sharon Dwight of Monterey, Joan (Reed) Sparks of Cupertino and Lynn Kidder of Santa Cruz; and 3 grandchildren: Catherine Dwight of Folsom, David (Lauren) Dwight of Monterey and Jennifer Sparks of San Francisco. Pearl played with professional jazz bands while attending Monterey High School. She owned and operated beauty shops in Burlingame and Fresno before marrying and raising a family. She sold Fresno real estate for several years, then worked at CSU Fresno, overseeing costume construction in the Drama Department. She and Bill danced often in Fresno before moving to Santa Cruz and joining the Sea and Tree ballroom dance group. Pearl belonged to an organ club in Santa Cruz, and played marimba with the Rhythmaires Jazz Band in Cupertino. Caring, supportive, interested, creative, a lady with a quick wit and a great sense of style - she will be missed by all who knew her. Contributions in her memory may be made to Gray Bears or Hospice of Santa Cruz.