* Awilla Beeman; Credit Union Official

Longtime Camarillo resident Awilla Beeman died Monday following a lengthy illness. She was 74.

Beeman was born March 4, 1924, in Kansas City, Mo. She was raised in Kansas City by her mother, Thelma Stumpff, her maternal grandparents and a devoted family friend, Stella Butterworth.

Beeman graduated from Central High School in Kansas City in 1943. Following graduation, she worked at an aviation bomber plant in Kansas. She later moved with her ailing mother to Los Angeles.

In mid-1946, Beeman met her future husband, Richard, and they were married on May 14, 1947.

Beeman and her husband raised two daughters in Los Angeles while Beeman also cared for her mother. Beeman was described by her family as a selfless and devoted wife and mother.

In 1963, the entire family moved to Camarillo to be closer to her husband’s job in Oxnard. Two years later, Beeman’s mother died.

During the 1960s and 1970s, Beeman worked both as an electronic assembly worker and a dental assistant. In 1975, she became an assistant treasurer at the now-defunct California State Employees Credit Union. Failing health forced her to retire in 1991.

Beeman’s family said she found her career at the credit union to be gratifying because she enjoyed working with the staff.

Beeman is survived by her husband, Richard Beeman of Camarillo, two daughters, Norma Jane Beeman of Antioch and Barbara Lee Mallery of Grass Valley; and three grandchildren.

There will be a visitation from 11 a.m. to noon on Friday in the chapel at Pierce Brothers Griffin Mortuary in Camarillo. A graveside service will follow at 1 p.m. at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park in Ventura. Pastor James Harmeling will officiate.

Arrangements were being handled by Pierce Brothers Griffin Mortuary in Camarillo.