Marva Linette White

Born in April of 1943 in California’s Bay Area to Marvin and Norma, Marva grew up and lived a wonderful life in Fresno until her passing on August 17, 2026. She joins her parents and brother, Gary, in the afterlife. She is survived by her husband, Ernie, and children: Jeffrey, Sandra, and Kenneth.

Marva’s life adventures started as the youngest child of a family of four. At a young age, her family moved to Fresno where her father built a home in the Bullard school area. Marva was the first class to start at Bullard in kindergarten and finish in grade 12, graduating in 1961. During her high school days, she was part of the Bullard High School band, playing the glockenspiel. She excelled in academics and throughout her adolescence she developed long lasting friendships. She also loved to tell stories about her favorite car she drove…the Isetta 300!

After high school, she continued her educational journey through U.C. Santa Barbera and U.C. San Francisco to earn her Bachelors of Science in Dental Hygiene. She loved to drive from Fresno to Santa Barbara in the family’s convertible – a 1950s MG TF Roadster, restored by her father. For Marva, she set her sights on earning a master’s degree in dental hygiene, so that she could teach at the college level. She attended the Columbia University Dental School for one year earning her master’s degree, all while learning how a west coast gal adapts to life in New York City during the 1960s.

At some point in high school, she brushed past a guy (Ernie) who would eventually become her husband. Marva and Ernie dated while they were both on their adventures (Marva in NYC and Ernie in Venezuela). When Marva arrived in Venezuela for a visit, Ernie tested her Spanish and proposed with the words, “¿Te casarías conmigo?” To which she replied, “¡Sí!” In 1968, Marva and Ernie started their wonderful lives together as a married couple.

By the early 1970s, they were ready to grow their family. First came Jeffrey! Then they decided to build a house before Sandi came along. After a few years of settling in as a family of four, Kenny joined just before the 1980s. The life of raising children for Marva meant many days driving to piano lessons, dance classes, swim practices and meets, seeing live performances, etc. However, Marva always knew how to be present with her children, while giving just enough room for growth and independence. She always had a watchful eye as kids swam in the pool, bringing out a plate of sandwiches and fruit. She made sure she stayed connected to her children’s friends, and was an active member of the PTA at the children’s elementary school.

Marva was able to balance being a mother and a wife as she was in the Fresno dental hygiene community for 45 years. She worked as a hygienist in a few dental offices but also was an integral part of establishing the Dental Hygiene Program at Fresno City Community College. Towards the end of her tenure of being an instructor, she developed a radiology class and the workbook for the program. Marva made many wonderful connections during her career with other hygienists, instructors, school administrators, dentists, and her patients.

Some of Marva’s favorite adult activities included: dancing socially, playing bridge, solving crossword puzzles, cruising and vacationing, raising her three children, lunch and outings with friends, cooking and baking. She tolerated camping (just goes to show she always was a trooper). She also liked throwing parties, in fact her favorite was her annual Christmas Bake Day with friends!

Marva was known to many as a dear and loyal friend. She was honest, direct, and motivated. She cared for people deeply by always being present and willing to help in any way.

She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live many more years through her husband, children, extended family and friends. A Celebration of Life is being planned for Saturday, September 26. For information on this event, please contact the family or email: [email protected]