Vala Pauline Hall

1/10/1923-6/30/2012

Born January 10, 1923 in Avant, OK to Arthur and Laura Bernard and passed away June 30, 2012 in Sonora, CA at the age of 89.

In the early 1940’s the Bernard family moved from Avant to Merced. Vala met and fell in love with Harvey W. Banks Jr. They were soon married and together raised their little family.

Mom was a workaholic her entire life. As a young lady she worked in canneries and packed tomatoes. She and dad later owned Banks & Bedesen Meat Company and Harvey’s Drive In, a popular hangout for teens during the 1950’s. She was employed by Save Mart stores for 20 years and retired as head clerk in the Atwater store.

One of Mom’s many talents was her ability to create beautiful hand stitched quilts. Her stitches were perfect, and so very small it was amazing. She won numerous blue ribbons at the county fair for her creations. Every newborn and newlywed in the family received one of her amazing quilts to start their new lives. Of course as kids we had nothing except her quilts and handmade down pillows on our beds. Every stitch was sewn with love for she truly loved us with all her heart unconditionally. She loved growing and canning her own fruits and vegetables, drying apricots and making raisins every year.

Mom’s famous breakfast was an 8 ounce coke, in a bottle, and a candy bar for energy. The family joke was “get her a coke and candy bar and she will be good to go”.

Vala and Harvey served as Worthy Matron and Patron of Mercedes Chapter of Eastern Star in 1959 and 1960.

Mother later married Harry Hall. They bought a peach orchid in Denair and farmed together until he passed away. She continued to live and farm in Denair until recently.

She was preceded in death by both Harvey and Harry; sisters, Geri Bernard and June Derby; and brother, Arthur (Bud) Bernard.

She is survived by her loving children, Terry Lynn Roop of Jamestown and Danny (Genia) Banks of Merced; stepchildren, Brady Hall (Cathy) and Kim Hall; grandchildren, Doni (Nathan) Rosasco of Jamestown, Cort Roop of New York, Derek (Robin) Banks, and Damon Banks of Merced; step grandchildren, twins Ashlynn and Kayleigh Hall; and great grandchildren, Lindsay, Shelby, and Rachel Rosasco, Tanner, Colby, and Daylynn Banks.

Funeral services will be held at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, 1490 B St., Merced, CA Monday, July 9, 2012 at 11:00 AM, burial will follow at Merced Cemetery District.

Arrangements are under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home.