Kathinka L. Lyon; 50-Year County Resident

Kathinka Louise Lyon, a 50-year Ventura County resident, died Wednesday after a long heart-related illness. She was 88.

Lyon was born Feb. 2, 1908, in Whithee, Wis., and had moved to Ventura from Bakersfield.

An avid bridge player, Lyon was a 50-year contract bridge tournament player and a member of the American Bridge League.

She was also a seamstress who sewed clothing for her children and grandchildren.

Lyon graduated at the age of 16 from Long Beach Poly High School, where she won awards for her talents in typing.

Lyon’s husband, William Carl Lyon, died in 1975.

Lyon is survived by two sons, Bill and Bob, both of Ventura; one daughter, Loretta Westlund of Rancho Palos Verdes; several grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

“She . . . tried to help everybody,” Bill Lyon said. “She was going to be 89 Sunday, and she had never had a drink of liquor or a cigarette in her life.”

Crypt-side services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park in Ventura.

Contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, 155 S. Oak St., Ventura, or to a favorite charity.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura.