Helen E. Jenkins Lantis

Mrs. Lantis died July 4, 2003, in Chico.

She was born Aug. 28, 1917, in Ottawa, Kan., the daughter of Smith Trembly and Malinda E. Fisher. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree, graduating magna cum laude, and a Master of Science degree from the University of Southern California, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.

Mrs. Lantis enlisted in the Navy in 1943 and did most of her duty in Kansas and Indiana. She was a librarian for 17 years, mostly at Bidwell Junior High School in Chico. The school’s library was named in her honor after she retired. She helped develop the Chico Friends of the Library, began the Saturday Morning Book Sale to raise funds for the group and remained a board member until her death. She was also a member of the American Association of University Women and the Foreign Food Group.

She married Evan Jenkins in 1948. He died in 1953. She then married David W. Lantis. They were married 46 years before he died.

Survivors include a brother, Armand Fisher, Lawrence; two nephews; and a niece.

The family suggests memorials to Chico Friends of the Library, P.O. Box 6952, Chico, CA 95927.

Newton-Bracewell Chico Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.