Belva Jean Hernandez (Mingus, Smith), age 84, passed away October 1, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Belva was born March 5, 1926 in Ottumwa, Iowa to David Melvin “Doc” Mingus and Vera Fae Mingus.
Belva grew up in Ottumwa, Iowa and graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1944. She married Hugh Traul Smith in 1947 and worked at Fedelity Savings Bank before moving to California to raise their family in 1958. In 1969, Belva married John C. Hernandez and lived in the Los Angeles area until their retirement. Belva worked for the Bank of America for about 30 years. John and Belva were avid campers during retirement until 1989 when they decided to settle down in Overton, Nevada. After John passed away in 1991, one of Belva’s sisters, Dorothy Meryle “Micki” Hyde, moved in with her. The “Two Sisters”, as they were known around the valley, were always together whether it was traveling to see relatives, their trips to Mesquite to partake in a little Bingo or on a cruise until Micki passed away August 7th of this year.
Belva volunteered for many events at the Overton Senior Center including Treasurer for many years and enjoyed having lunch with friends everyday at the center. She lived in the Moapa Valley for the last 21 years because it is such a friendly and caring community.
Belva is survived by her sister: Mary Maxine Meeker of Scotts Valley, CA; 3 sons: Steven (Rebecca) Smith of Rancho Cucamonga, CA, Dennis (Theresa) Smith of Tacoma, WA, and Jeffrey (Elizabeth) Smith of El Paso, TX; 9 grandchildren: Jamison, Brandon, Matthew Beckett, David, Michael, Matthew James, Jesse, Joshua, & Timothy; 3 stepchildren: June (Jim) Michel (Hernandez), Joy Woodman (Hernandez), & John Hernandez Jr.
Family and friends will celebrate her life on Friday, October 22nd 1:00PM at the Rainbow Chapel in Rose Hills Cemetery, 3888 Workman Mill Rd., Whittier, CA 90601.
