Leah Mae Witte

Leah Mae MacLean was born to Kenneth and Lois MacLean in North Tonawanda, NY. Leah graduated from Brockport State Teacher's College with a BE degree. She taught kindergarten before venturing to Fellows, CA in 1948 where she taught grades K-8 at Midway School. Leah was an outgoing, social butterfly who loved to sing and play piano. Therefore, accepting the position as a choir director at the Presbyterian Church was a natural choice with her God-given voice. In 1949, Leah wed the love of her life, Philip Wesley Witte to a full church. The Wittes were well loved by the townspeople. The newlyweds made a lease house livable on the outskirts of Fellows. Together they raised two fine sons, Kenneth and Louis. In 1960, a window of opportunity opened and the Wittes bought a new Hopper Rig Hoist mobile marking the beginning of their journey as business owners in the oil industry. After years of hard work, trials and tribulations, P. Witte Enterprises, Inc. emerged as a California corporation in 1977 to which Leah served as corporate officer. She enjoyed activities with organizations and was a lifetime member of Petroleum Production Pioneers, Desk and Derrick, the Order of the Eastern Star, West Kern Oil Museum and the Kern County Museum. After Philip passed, her thoughtful sons helped fulfill two of her life-long dreams. Louis took her on a well deserved trip to Scotland; Kenny and Virgie a transatlantic cruise and land tour of Ireland. She is survived by her son, Kenneth, his wife Virgie of Lake Arrowhead; son, Louis, his two beautiful daughters, Christy and Martha of Bakersfield. Christy and her husband, Robert Munn gave them three great grandchildren, Seth, Caris and Garrett to enliven their lives a bit. Leah was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Lois MacLean; sister, Jane Evelyn Gracey of NY; and husband of 58 years, Philip Wesley Witte. The family would like to extend a big thank you for the loving care from the staff at Hoffman Hospice, Pacifica Memory Care, Glenwood Gardens and the many friends who have so graciously visited, prayed, and showed love and concern for her plight. Graveside services will be held in the West Side District Cemetery on Wednesday, April 13, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. with lunch to follow at OT Cookhouse.In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Petroleum Production Pioneers, Order of the Eastern Star or First Presbyterian Church.

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