Bernice Farmer Maloch OBITUARY
Bernice Farmer Maloch, born in 1929, died on September 9th, 2024, at the age of 95 in Prescott, Arizona. She was the 11th (of 14) offspring of Dennis and Stella Willie and was the last survivor of her siblings. Born in Moriarty, New Mexico, she lived the first portion of her life in New Mexico. She met and married her husband Dewey – also of Moriarty – in 1948 after he returned from service with the U.S. Navy. They settled in Albuquerque, where she helped her husband build their first home. Bernice became a devout follower of Jesus, joining Crestview Baptist Church in Albuquerque, where she served various roles along with Dewey. During their time in Albuquerque, they had their three children – Wesley, Dwayne (who predeceased her), and Susan. In 1958, Dewey, who was employed by Sandia Corporation, was transferred to Livermore, California, and Bernice began an active life there. Church was always paramount to her, and she and Dewey became an integral part of Trinity Baptist Church. They developed many long friendships through their involvement with the church, and she cherished them throughout her life. While they were very busy raising three children and with church work (she was the church clerk for many years) they also began and completed the building of their home. Sadly, Dewey developed cancer which took his life in 1976. Following Dewey's death, Bernice went back to college and learned new skills which helped her become an administrative assistant to leaders at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory until she retired. Bernice married Chester Malloch in 1986. They lived in Livermore, until Chester passed away in 2022. Bernice moved to Prescott, Arizona, to be closer to her daughter and family in 2022. There she lived in an assisted living facility, where she was appreciated for her friendly nature and kind words. Even while living in Prescott, she enjoyed keeping up with her friends and church family in Livermore. Bernice is survived by her eldest son, Wesley (married to Hilda Shirk), and her daughter Susan (married to Ron Stephenson). She has six grandchildren; Erica (daughter of Wesley); Nathan, Joshua and Alysia (children of Dwayne); and Pat and Lyn (daughters of Susan and Ron). Also surviving are Chester's children Tim, Terry, Marilyn, and Charles. Bernice will be buried next to Dewey and Dwayne with a private graveside service to be scheduled at a future date. Those who desire to donate in memory of Bernice are asked to contribute to either of her favorite charities: The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research ( ) or to the Disabled American Veterans ( ). Bernice was asked once how she would like to be remembered. She replied, "She did her best."
