Kennise Timisha Ochsner
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Kennise Timisha Ochsner, who departed this life on September 16 th , at the age of 73. She was surrounded by loved ones in Bakersfield, California, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and cherished memories.
Born on October 27 th , 1951, at Saint Francis Hospital in Santa Barbara, California; Kennise Timisha Patterson. She is survived by her mother Charlene Watson and was preceded in death by her father, Willie Kenneth Patterson.
Kennise grew up in Santa Barbara, California, where she attended Monroe Elementary School, San Marcos Junior High School and graduated as a Don from Santa Barbara High School. She then moved to Chico, California where she studied biology at Chico State University.
She grew up in a loving family, where she developed a passion for nature and the great outdoors. She loved camping, hiking and anything that had to do with nature. That passion followed her throughout her life. She loved animals of all kinds and had all kinds of animals. She also loved her smooth jazz that played throughout the house while she was cooking, cleaning, sewing and scrapbooking. She made beautiful quilts and blankets that we will always appreciate and cherish.
Kennise met the love of her life in 1980. A wonderful man from Switzerland named Manfred Ochsner. Manfred moved to Santa Barbara to study engineering. They were married on February 14 th , 1982, in Switzerland. When they returned to California Manfred continued to pursue his degree while Kennise stayed busy being a wife, a meticulous housekeeper, and a mother of three beautiful children. She was also known for doing wonders in the kitchen She volunteered for grassroots organizations delivering food throughout the community and always looking out for her neighbors. Kennise had a love for working with children, especially the little ones and the disadvantaged. She pursued a career in early childhood development where she earned her AS degree.
Kennise Ochsner is survived by her husband; Manfred Ochsner, her three children; Kashaun Ochsner, Dustin Ochsner, Leslie Mercado (Mark); her sister Kimberly Harris; 4 beautiful Granddaughter’s Heidi, Makenzie, Makayla and Leanna, as well as many friends and relatives who will dearly miss her.
A celebration of Kennise Ochsner’s life will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Greater Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 430 East Figueroa Street, Santa Barbara, California, beginning at 11:00 AM. Family and friends are invited to gather and share their memories. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to American Cancer Society in memory of Kennise Ochsner.
Kennise will be remembered for her unwavering love, strength, and the joy she brought to all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished in our hearts but let’s find comfort in knowing she is resting peacefully.
American Cancer Society
