Della Frances Carillo

Della Frances Carillo April 27, 1941 – July 20, 2025 Della was born in Bakersfield, California to Benjamin Sr. and Verna Carillo on April 27, 1941. She grew up and attended elementary, junior high school and high school in East Bakersfield, graduating from East Bakersfield High School, Class of 1959. Della went on to attend Bakersfield Community College. From there she began a long career performing accounting and administrative work in the Bakersfield oil industry. She was an active member of the Desk and Derrick Club and once served as their president. In the early 80’s, Della decided to make a career change which included relocating to Cayucos, California. There she started a business and became the proud owner of Della’s Sportswear Store in downtown Cayucos. Not one to sit still, she had other administrative careers which included working at Mid-State Bank and later the Abalone Farm in Cayucos. In 1984, Della became a Lioness and served the Cayucos community for many years. She once was named Honorary Mayor of Cayucos and was also a Grand Marshall for the Cayucos 4th of July Parade. Della’s warmth and generosity left an impression wherever she went. Della never really retired and instead she found a “career” that brought her great joy. For many Christmases, Della portrayed Mrs. Claus for the Cayucos Chamber of Commerce’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony and Santa’s House where she added her own unmatchable charm to the holidays and brought smiles to untold number of children. She brought that same beautiful spirit portraying the Easter Bunny during the annual Easter Egg Hunt each year. Our sweet sister Della was predeceased by her parents, Ben and Verna, her sister Shirley, and husbands Leland Harlan and Paul Tillett. She is survived by her sister Pat Metcalf (Perry), her brother Ben Jr. (Jill), and sister Connie Lindley (Jim), plus all her favorite nieces and nephews as well as extended family and friends. Donations in Della’s memory can be made to any of the following that were her favorite: Cayucos Chamber of Commerce (Santa House sponsor) P.O. Box 106 Cayucos, CA 93430 Cayucos Seniors Club P.O. Box 134 Cayucos, CA 93430 Cayucos Lioness Club P.O. Box 153 Cayucos, CA 93430

Della Frances Carillo

April 27, 1941 - July 20, 2025