OBITUARY: Gail Loveless

Gail Jeanette (Bergen) Loveless was born in Bakersfield on Sept. 24, 1947, to parent Jake and Vivian Bergen. On March 30, 2021, Gail passed away at her home surrounded by family.

Gail became a Christian at age 7 and was baptized at the age of 12 at Shafter Mennonite Brethren Church, where she remained a lifelong member. Gail rededicated her life to the Lord when she was attending Hartland Christian Camp in junior high.

She graduated from Shafter High in 1965 before moving to Kansas for her college education. Gail earned her bachelor's degree and teaching credential from Tabor College in 1969. She then taught for two years in Fresno before moving back to Shafter. Gail married Don Loveless in Shafter on Aug. 29, 1971, and the couple were blessed with 2 children, Greg in 1973 and Jill in 1975. She worked with children at the Kiddie Kollege preschool from 1993 to 2002 in addition to being a farmer's wife and the responsibilities entailed. Over the years, Gail drove tractor and cotton trailers and she kept books for the farm as she supported Don through their leadership roles at the church.

Gail was always a content and faithful homemaker, known for her welcoming home and her beautiful, genuine smile. She loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and she showed us how to live a life that is honoring to him.

Gail is survived by her husband of nearly 50 years, Don Loveless; children Greg and wife Shelly Loveless, and Jill and husband Patrick Toews; grandchildren, Brooke and husband Zack Alcala, Derek Loveless, Jonathan Toews, Stephen Toews, Rachel Toews, Rebekah Toews, Caleb Toews and Abigail Toews; her brother, Kelly Bergen and wife, Liah; her sister, Peggy and husband, Dr. Glen Harden; nieces and nephews, Amy, Paul and KaeLum Bergen, Kerry and Jeff Hauser, Eli Harden, Seth Harden and wife Jessica, Timbrel "Elayne" and husband Paul Eunson, and Josh Harden. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jake and Vivian Bergen.

A memorial service will be held at the Shafter Mennonite Brethren Church on Saturday, April 10, beginning at 1 p.m.; Pastor Pat Coyle will officiate. Condolences may be made at PetersFuneralHomes.com. Memorial gifts in Gail's name may be made to Children to Love at [email protected] or visit their website for more information, childrentolove.org.