Beanka Alba

Beanka Alba, age 60, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. She lived at the Milton Home in South Bend, Indiana. Beanka was born in Germany to Amanda Varrelmann Bögershausen and August Varrelmann. Her father preceded her in death. As a young woman, she came to the United States with her husband to begin a new life and raise a family.

She is survived by her daughter, Diana Esqueda-Alba and her husband Raul, as well as their children: Jose Francisco Casillas Alba, Alexya Marie Esqueda-Alba, and Sebastian Esqueda-Alba. She was also a proud great-grandmother to Vawzen, with two more great-grandchildren on the way. Beanka is also survived by her son, Jesus Alba Jr., and his wife Casandra, along with their children Rosie, Harry, and Murphy.

Beanka adored her grandchildren and loved spending time with them. Whether it was soaking up the sun, watching her favorite movies, or playing board games, she found joy in life’s simple pleasures. Her playlist included “Purple Rain,” soft rock from the ’60s, “I Want to Know What Love Is” by Foreigner, Tina Turner, and Garth Brooks’ “The Thunder Rolls.”

A celebration of her life will be held at 1:30 pm Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at the Milton Home, 206 E Marion St, South Bend, IN 46601. Wells and Cruz Family Funeral Home and Cremation Care of Mishawaka has been entrusted with her arrangements.

Her favorite movies and shows included Coal Miner’s Daughter, Ghost, Free Willy, Shirley Temple classics, Dirty Dancing, Little House on the Prairie, and The Price Is Right. But if you really wanted to see her shine, it was during game night. She ruled the table at Monopoly, Uno, and especially Farkle — so much so that her friends lovingly called her the “Farkle Queen.”

Though she had lost touch with much of her family in Germany, Beanka never lost the love in her heart for them. She will always be remembered for her spirit, her laughter, and the warmth she brought to those around her. This isn’t goodbye, it’s "until we meet again."

May she rest in peace. Amen.

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