Lillian "Dit" Jenks

Lillian "Dit" Jenks was born on a dairy ranch in Galt, California, on July 17, 1920 and passed away peacefully on March 16, 2024 in Sacramento, California. Dit was predeceased by her parents Gottardo and Maria Barsetti, older brother, Henry "Ed" Barsetti, former husband, Fred Jenks, brother-in-law, Bill Cippa, and sister-in-law, Delia Barsetti. She is survived by her beloved son, Bart Jenks, daughter-in-law, Helen Jenks, grandsons Andy Jenks (Jill) and Tony Jenks (Emily), great grandchildren, Henry, Andrew and William Jenks, older sister, Emily "Em" Cippa, and her many nieces and nephews.

Dit was raised on the Galt ranch and attended Galt High School, She fondly received her nickname "Dit" from Em when the two were infants. Dit acquired a love of sports at a young age, regularly playing baseball and other sports with Ed and his friends. She was a standout on the softball and basketball teams in high school. She was also an excellent student and graduated from high school in 1937 at the age of seventeen.

After high school, Dit was hired as a secretary at the State Capitol. At that time, Dit continued her excellence in sports as an exceptional short stop on Sacramento's Cal West traveling softball team. She was later inducted into the Greater Sacramento Softball Association Hall of Fame. Dit met her future husband, Fred Jenks, and the couple married. Fred was a lead navigator in the Air Force and was deployed overseas during World War II. After the war ended, the couple moved to San Francisco where Dit worked as a secretary for the Fireman's Fund Insurance Company.

The family moved back to Sacramento in 1950 where Dit began working as a legal secretary for the law firm of Fitzwilliam, Memering, and McDonald and eventually became the office manager. She enrolled in McGeorge School of Law, graduating in 1967. Dit was admitted to the State Bar shortly thereafter and opened a private practice in 1968. Dit was a private practitioner for almost forty years, specializing in personal injury litigation. She also volunteered on many boards and associations, including her service as President of the Women Lawyers of Sacramento. Dit retired from the practice of law in 2005 at the age of 85. 

Dit's favorite pastimes included spending quality time with her family and her numerous friends. It was also a great joy for her to have daily conversations with Em, the two sisters having an extremely close and loving relationship. Dit loved entertaining family and friends in her home where she resided for over 60 years. She also loved a good party, especially those where she could kick up her heels and dance, dance, dance.

Throughout her life, Dit had a passion for sports, both as a participant and as a fan. She began playing golf as a young adult, and it became her favorite sport. For years, she was a member of the Sacramento Women's Golf Club at Haggin Oaks where she developed close relationships with both members and staff. In 1996, Dit became a member of Del Paso Country Club where she played until she was in her early nineties, still posting scores well below her age. Dit also appreciated all of the wonderful friendships she developed at Del Paso and would look forward to her special golf vacations with her friends.

Dit's family extends its heartfelt thanks to the wonderful caregivers at the Chateau at River's Edge, McGregor Home, and Suncrest Hospice for the loving care and support for Dit. The family further extends its thanks to those special friends who visited and supported Dit until the time of her passing. A special acknowledgement is also made to W F Gormley & Sons funeral home for providing their compassionate service and support. Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Morton Golf Foundation, https://mortongolffoundation.org., which funds programs for the local youth, disabled and underserved.