Bernice Balls Warden

Bernice Balls Warden passed away peacefully at her home on August 19, 2025, at the age of 93, with her two daughters by her side. She considered Chickasha, Oklahoma, her home.

Bernice was born on February 23, 1932, in Hays, Kansas, to James and Melinda Balls. She spent her early years in and around Phillipsburg, Kansas, where she worked in a movie theater and as a waitress.

She married and became a housewife and devoted mother to three children: Linda, Debbie, and Jeff. Later in life, she became a successful businesswoman, owning and operating several Daylight Donut Shops. It was in one of those donut shops that she met her future husband, John Charles "Charlie" Warden. Bernice and Charlie were married for 43 years until his passing in 2022.

Together, Bernice and Charlie had a blended family of seven children. Bernice's children include:

-Linda S. Wickwire of Albuquerque, NM

-Deborah K. Barnes and her partner David Weeks of Downs, KS

-Jeffrey L. and Lynn Dumler of Phoenix, AZ

Charlie's children include:

-Charles A. Warden and the late Diana Warden of Mustang, OK

-Brent and Jennifer Warden of Piedmont, OK

-Dennis and Lisa Warden (both deceased)

From this blended family came 31 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great-grandchildren. (Forgive us if one was missed!)

Bernice is survived by her sister, Lila George of Sacramento, CA, and her brother, Tom Balls of Phillipsburg, KS.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Laura Laughlon; her brother, Jimmy Balls; her son-in-law, Mike Barnes; and her granddaughter, Jennifer Barnes Fisher.

Bernice was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Chickasha. She loved working jigsaw puzzles and reading. There was always a puzzle on the card table in the "jungle room" (as they fondly called the living room). Her favorite game was Yahtzee, and if you were at Grandma's house, chances were high that a lively late-night game-adults and kids alike-was underway.

She was also an avid collector of all things Norman Rockwell.

One of her favorite pastimes was going to Braum's for a cheeseburger and a chocolate shake, which she enjoyed while sitting in the car, people-watching. She was also a longtime people-watcher at Walmart, a habit she enjoyed for many years.

Bernice and Charlie loved to travel together. Their adventures took them from Branson to Las Vegas, and across the world to Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, and Israel. They loved life and truly lived it-always treasuring their family above all.

She was deeply loved and will be truly missed.