RITA JEANETTE MACMILLAN

Rita Jeanette MacMillan, 90, died peacefully on February 3, 2025, at home with her family at her side. She died of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Jeanette was born February 6, 1934, in Tulare, California to George and Opal Redelsperger. She attended Tulare schools including Central School, Cherry Avenue, and Tulare High School. She excelled in business and secretarial studies, graduating from Tulare High School at the top of her class winning Bank of America’s Achievement Award in Vocational Arts. Jeanette also played drums for the band all four years. It was at Tulare High School where she met Don MacMillan.

Jeanette then attended the College of Sequoias, as did Don. She graduated at the top of her department there as well. They both graduated in June of 1953 and were married.  Jeanette moved to Tipton where Don farmed, and they began their life together.

Years of farming and raising a family alongside her husband followed. She accompanied him daily to irrigate and quickly learned how to help change the water when he was elsewhere on the ranch. Jeanette soon found herself pulling cotton trailers to the gin and hauling daughters to band practice and sports events.  There were Women’s Club meetings, Water Board meetings, Historical Museum events, and PTA. She even had a small column in the Pixley Enterprise.

Jeanette enjoyed playing the piano, and played the organ for the Tipton Methodist Church. She enjoyed the pipe organ, and especially enjoyed the one in the Poplar Methodist church when she would fill in there. She also played piano at Tipton School for the girls’ choir, and later on accompanied vocalists or musical soloists for weddings. She practiced at home daily, and the house was filled with music.

She had a deep and loving respect for nature and instilled this particular awe and wonder in her daughters. Seasons were celebrated alongside planting, cotton picking, and harvests. Foggy winters soon brought tiny green buds to trees; hot summers meant a trip to the valve behind the house. There was always something to be grateful for and something fun to do.

She enjoyed going for Jeep rides with Don to just about anywhere. She rode with him near and far: to the mountains, to the coast, and even to St. Louis once! 

Jeanette lived a full life of love and joy that was shared with everyone around her. 

She is survived by her husband Don, daughters Susan Winmon (Derek), Valerie Holmes (Curt), and Sharon MacMillan, three granddaughters, and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sons David and Mark MacMillan.

The family would like to thank Yvette Lopez, Samantha Gillon, and Emily Garbutt of Amdal In-Home Services for their loving care of Jeanette.  

Graveside service will be held Tuesday, February 18,at 10:00 AM in the Tipton-Pixley Cemetery. 
To send condolences or sign the family guest book, please CLICK HERE to send. Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.