LAKEPORT, Calif. – Phebe Lois (McCormick) Hepworth, born 1919 in Cedaredge, Colorado, died peacefully at her home in Lakeport Dec. 5, 2015, she was 96.

From their agrarian roots in Phoenix, Arizona, Phebe and her husband, Donald had intended to raise their family in the Pacific Northwest.

En route to Oregon with their infant daughter, they stopped in Lakeport to visit friends. Soon realizing they felt at home in Lake County, the Hepworths settled on Jan. 1, 1950, and appreciated the area's rich agricultural and recreational opportunities.

In addition to being a dedicated homemaker, Phebe was employed as secretary of Lake County Fair and was a vocational instructor for Mendocino College where she taught food preparation and bread making.

She was a member of the Rebekah Lodge since 1952 and was a founding member of United Christian Parish. With great civic pride, Phebe was involved in numerous community and charitable activities.

Her passion for home baking and canning garnered many blue ribbon awards and scores of deserved compliments.

Phebe was preceded in death by Donald Hepworth, her husband of 57 years, and their son, Dale. She is survived by her daughter, Donna.

Burial services are private. Memorial contributions to United Christian Parish in Lakeport, http://www.lakeportucp.org/ , are suggested.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, Lakeport.