Obituary of Bertha Bertschi

Bertha Allegra Clennin, eldest daughter of Fred and Clara Clennin, was born January 4, 1931 on her grandparents' (Conrad and Bertha Schweer) farm south of Rosalind. Her only sibling, Melba, was also born at the Schweer farm in 1933. Fred and Clara moved to an acreage near the Battle River, just west of the Rosalind bridge in 1935. Bertha started school at Coal Valley, but later that same year the family moved to Rosalind since her parents thought it was too far to walk to school. Bertha loved school and was very athletic. She excelled in track and field, fast ball, hockey, and curling. Upon completion of high school, Bertha became a teacher after taking only one full year of university (U of A). She taught in Heather Brae one year, Kingman one year, Rosalind three years, and Camrose two years. She took summer school to continue towards an Education degree, but only reached the equivalent of three years. Bertha married Donald Bertschi on July 9, 1958 at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church at Rosalind. They moved to Provost where Don was in partnership with Elmer Schielke selling I.H.C. machinery. Even though Bertha thought she would take a break from teaching after moving to Provost, she had a job waiting for her since teachers were in great demand. Over the 35 years they were in Provost, they attended church at Central Lutheran Church. Bertha was very involved with the Lutheran Church Women. Don and Bertha were involved in curling for many years. Their three children (Deborah, Randy, and Brian) were born and raised in Provost and were also active in various sports. After both Don and Bertha had retired, they started to join the snowbirds down in Apache Junction and later Yuma. Each year, Bertha brought home the crafts that she made as well as new card games to share with the kids. Bertha took golf lessons and over the years enjoyed playing with many 'senior' family members and friends, as well as her sons, and grandchildren. Don and Bertha moved to Camrose in 1992. Once again, Bertha was active with the Ladies group (LWML) at Grace Lutheran Church. Don and Bertha also volunteered for Meals on Wheels. Getting together with family was very important. Bertha enjoyed spending time with her children's families and the six grandchildren. In April, 2010, Don and Bertha moved to Deer Meadows and on May 1, 2012, Bertha went to reside at Bethany Meadows 'Memory Lane', followed by Sunrise in January, 2013. After a fall and breaking her leg in March 2013, she was moved to Bethany Meadows Aspen Cottage in April 2013, which was her final home until she passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2015 at the age of 84. Bertha will be dearly missed, but fondly remembered by her family and numerous friends. A funeral service was held on Friday May 1, 2015 at 2:00pm from Grace Lutheran Church Camrose, With Rev. Greg Kjos officiating. Inurnment has taken place in the Melville Cemetery. Memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to the Grace Lutheran Church Roof Fund.