Belva Marie Warkentin November 17, 1933 – June 16, 2026

Belva Marie Warkentin passed away peacefully on June 16, 2026, at the age of 92. She spent most of her life in the Shafter area, including the last 65 years, where she faithfully served her family, church, and community.

Belva was born on November 17, 1933, to Otto and Regina Becker and was one of four children. She attended Richland and Maple schools before graduating from Wasco High School with the Class of 1950. She then enrolled at Pacific Bible Institute in Fresno (now Fresno Pacific University), where she earned a certificate in Children’s Ministry.

It was there that she met the love of her life, Allen Warkentin. Their marriage was a remarkable partnership that spanned 69 years. Together they raised three children—Craig, Donna, and Edie—and built a home filled with faith, music, and love.

A lifelong member of Shafter Mennonite Brethren Church, Belva devoted countless hours to serving others. She sang in the church choir, directed the children’s choir in numerous productions, and led Vacation Bible School for many years. Her beautiful soprano voice was a gift to everyone who heard it and made even “Happy Birthday” especially memorable.

Belva also worked for the Richland School District as an instructional aide and clerical employee. Long before computers became common in most homes, she was learning DOS and embracing new technology with characteristic curiosity and intelligence.

In retirement, she and Allen enjoyed traveling and cruising with friends, creating treasured memories along the way. They especially loved hosting their children and grandchildren at the Knox cabin at June Lake, where memories of fishing, eating, sharing and laughing will long be remembered.

After Allen’s passing (2022), Belva spent her final years at Carrington, where she proudly maintained her independence. At age 90, she completed and published her life story, My Life’s Pathway, leaving a lasting record of her experiences, faith, and family history. She was also a devoted Dodgers fan and, with the help of her children, attended her last Dodgers game in August of 2025.

Belva was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Allen Warkentin (2022), her son, Craig Warkentin (2011), her parents, her brother Richard and sister Joanne Frantz. She is survived by her daughter Donna (Bob) Stover of Fresno; daughter Edie Warkentin of Bakersfield; daughter-in-law Nancy Warkentin of Dinuba; and her three grandchildren, Mark Stover, Torrey Soland, and Nathan Soland; and sister Neva Knox.

A memorial luncheon will be held on July 26 at 12:30 at Shafter Mennonite Brethren Church. In honor of Belva’s lifelong love of music and worship, guests are invited to come ready to sing a few favorite hymns—just as she would have wanted. In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation be made to the SMBC Hartland fund, c/o SMBC, P.O. Box 1538, Shafter, CA 93263.