Obituary of Leslie Lillis Goss

Leslie Lillis Goss passed away peacefully on October 4th, 2021 in her home in Tres Pinos, California. Leslie was born September 14, 1926 in Tres Pinos, California. She was the adored daughter of Ruth Hodges Frusetta and George Joseph Frusetta. Leslie had four siblings: Pat Hazan Frusetta, Fern Dale Fancher, Shirley Tully and Peter Clay Frusetta; all who preceded her in death. Leslie was very proud of her family, a historic pioneer cattle ranching family, in San Benito County. They spent many happy childhood summers at their ranches in San Benito & Syncline, where they swam in the San Benito Creek, rode their horses, mended fence and branded cattle. Leslie attended Tres Pinos Union School where her mother was the principal of the one-room schoolhouse. She then attended San Benito High School and went on to graduate from San Jose State University with a degree in Education. She was a lifetime member of her sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma. Leslie spent most of her adult life in Santa Maria and Bakersfield, California. She taught kindergarten at Panama School District in Bakersfield for thirty years, where she enjoyed introducing her love of art to her students. She returned to her beloved hills of Tres Pinos to her family home in 2011. Leslie’s lifelong passion was tending to her beautiful gardens; which were her signature, along with her beauty and style. Leslie is survived by her loving family. Her daughter Heidi Hopkins Dorris and son-in-law Alan Dorris; granddaughter Ashley Dorris Egerer (Justin Egerer), grandson Taylor Benedict Dorris (Josephine Coiner Dorris); and her great grandchildren Addison Ann Egerer, Emerson Rose Egerer, William Benedict Dorris and Taylor Hopkins Dorris. Leslie’s soul is with God and her spirit lives in the hearts of her many nieces and nephews; as well as her family and dear friends. “Birdsong, wind, the water’s face Each flower, remembering the smell: I know you’re close by” Per her wishes, funeral services will be private. Donations may be made to the Cancer Center of Santa Barbara or the Community Food Bank of San Benito County.