Ben James Fleming
April 29, 1936 – June 8, 2025
Dinuba — Ben James Fleming, age 89, passed peacefully from this life into the presence of his Savior, Jesus Christ, on June 8, 2025.
Ben was born in Sonoma County to Benjamin (USMC) and Lucille Fleming. The family relocated to Santa Cruz, California, during World War II and then to Coalinga, where he attended high school and junior college. He was president of his high school class, and married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Sue Fair. Together they built their life, raising 5 sons in the communities of Coalinga and Dinuba. Ben made Dinuba his home from 1965 until his passing.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend, Ben lived a life rooted in purpose. He was deeply involved in his community, serving for many years as a local leader with Boy Scouts, and could often be seen at Raisin Day festivals in a Smokey Bear costume. Alongside Marilyn, he led Christian Marriage Communication retreats, pouring into the lives of countless couples with wisdom and grace. He lost Marilyn to cancer in 1997, after 42 years of marriage. Ben was subsequently blessed with a second marriage to Karen May, with whom he shared 27 years of companionship, laughter, and faith. Their combined families brought great joy to Ben’s heart. Ben was a member of First Baptist Church of Dinuba, where he served faithfully as a deacon for many years.
Ben is survived by his wife Karen; her sons Brian May [USN Retired] (Barbara), and David May (Amy), as well as his sons Steve (Elana), David (Debbie), Don (Debra), and Bill (Nova), 19 grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren.
Ben was preceded in death by his beloved wife Marilyn, his son James Anthony Fleming, and his sister, June.
A service celebrating Ben’s life and legacy will be held on Saturday, June 28, at 11:15 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Dinuba followed by a luncheon reception. Ben will be laid to rest at Smith Mountain Cemetery in Dinuba.
Flowers/condolences can be sent to: The Fleming Family c/o First Baptist Church 600 E. Nebraska Ave, Dinuba, CA 93618 Donations in his memory can be made to: Good News Global (Prison Ministry) PO BOX 6098, Albert Lea, MN 56007, reference J57.01 and “in memory of Ben Fleming.” Or online at https://ti- nyurl.com/benjfleming
Darlene Ruth Huebert
Darlene Ruth Huebert, of Reedley, died on Saturday, June 7, 2025. She was 89 years old. Mrs. Huebert was a medical secretary. A Celebration of life will be held on Monday, June 23, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at the Palm Village Chapel. Mrs. Huebert is survived by her husband Stanley LaVern Huebert, two sons, 5 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren.
Dopkins Reedley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Francisco Vasquez Zavala
Francisco Vasquez Zavala, of Fresno, died on Saturday, June 7, 2025. He was 91 years old. Mr. Zavala was a maintenance engineer. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at Wallin’s Sanger Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Rosary will be at 6:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be on Friday, June 27, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sanger. At 10:00 a.m., followed by a graveside service at the Sanger Cemetery.
Wallin’s Sanger Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
________________________________
Submit an obituary
Now you can submit an obituary for publication in Mid Valley Times using the popular memorial web site Legacy.com. Go to legacy.memoriams.com/network/MidValleyTimes/Obituaries.
