Born May 28, 1951 the youngest of 4 children, Bernie’s unusual journey began with the tragic loss of her mother from complicati

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Bernice Rhea Stapp Baker Stableford

aka “Bernie”

Born May 28, 1951 died June 18, 2007. The youngest of 4 children, Bernice’s unusual journey began tragically with the loss of her mother at childbirth. Her father’s work for the US government meant Bernice grew up in several different states along with a short time on a tropical island. These moving experience’s provided her with a special gift allowing her to easily approach people and bridge differences. Bernice, always the free spirit, held both family and friends together.

Bernice was naturally athletic. At a young age she received acknowledgement for her High Jumping abilities and a volleyball merit award. In her early teens she received an award for her leadership and personal development abilities and was voted in as a cheerleader. She entered the state of Arkansas Miss American pageant, becoming the local beauty queen as well as receiving the award of “Miss Congeniality” both locally as well as at the State level.

Bernie left home and was hired as a legal secretary for a national transportation company in Dallas while also attending school to acquire a FCC radio license. By age 19 she had successfully built, owned and operated a radio station in Fort Smith, Arkansas and KISR-FM is still on the air.

In 1972 Bernie followed her long held dream to act in motion pictures, packed her car and drove west to California. In Los Angeles while working in various industry-related jobs, modeling, radio, as a driver for movies and TV, she was accepted into a film actors’ workshop, joined the necessary unions and eventually won roles in motion pictures.

In 1982, after ten years in the Hollywood, Bernie took up a new way of life with her soon to be husband, Landon. Time passed quickly for Bernie, working on the ranch she came to love; helping establish this beautiful avocado/longhorn cattle ranch in Santa Barbara County. They found themselves at the center of efforts to prevent the federal government from declaring over 320 thousand acres of the coastal land north of Santa Barbara a National Seashore, which threatened their home and that of many others. Bernie took the lead role in protecting peoples rights as multi-generational landowners.

Bernie’s subsequent ongoing contributions to land use issues were formally recognized recently by the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors.

Bernie worked with many organizations including LAFCO. Once again, always being able to approach people and bridge differences with the leadership and personal development abilities that were acknowledged so much earlier in her young life.

She leaves behind, her husband Landon Stableford, her two brothers John E. and Bill Stapp as well as many relatives throughout the country. There are too many close friends to mention that cared about her and acquaintances that will never forget her. Bernice died of a rare form of cancer. In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity. Private services are being held.

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