Esther B. Chavez

Esther “Nana” Beltran Chavez

March 09, 1918 – April 12, 2012

Esther Beltran Chavez was born to Augustine Beltran Sr. and Anita Turrey Beltran in Summerland, CA. She moved to Shafter, CA in 1927 along with her family. She attended Richland School at the old Santa Fe School.

Esther married Urbano Chavez in August of 1939. Together they had six children.

Esther served her God, family, church and community. She was a member of the Primera Iglesia Bautista of Shafter for 73 years. There she served as the Sunday school secretary and a Sunday school teacher. She belonged to several Christian service organizations; Helping Hands, Y.U.G.O., Salvation Army food distribution and Shafter Community Bible study childcare. She also served as a Summer Camp Counselor in Woodlake, CA.

Ester served as the Grand Marshal for the Shafter Cinco de Mayo parade in 1999. She received a commendation from Assemblyman Dean Florez for her community service to the City of Shafter. She also received numerous awards and acknowledgements from various Christian organizations.

Esther enjoyed embroidery, gardening and reading. She was an avid Dodger fan.

Esther is preceded in death by her father and her mother. Brothers; Idelfonso, Henry and Augustine Beltran Jr. Her sisters Mary Beltran, Virginia Lopez and Belia Cota.

Esther is survived by her sons: Lawrence Chavez (Yvonne), Andrew Chavez (Cecilia) and Herbert Chavez (Lupe). Her daughters: Rita Prendez (Jim), Virginia Permenter (Ned), Julia Chavez and Betty Lopez. Grandchildren 21, Great-grandchildren 31, Great-great grandchildren 2.

Nana has left us with a great legacy of faith in God, service to other and unconditional love.

The family would like to thank the staff of San Joaquin Community Hospital, Hoffman Hospice and Kern River Family Mortuary for their excellent care of Nana.

Services: Valley Bible Church 350 Pine Street Shafter, CA 10:AM April 19, 2012. Burial: Shafter Memorial Park - Shafter, CA. Reception to follow at the Mennonite Brethren Church, 400 Kern Street Shafter, CA.