Bernice L. “Bernie” Fletcher passed away December 3, 2016 at age the age of 100 at her home.
Bernie was born in Helena August 10, 1916, to Thomas and Flora (Surman) Gummow. She lived in Marysville until she was 11, when her family moved to Helena. She attended St. Vincent Academy and St. Helena School. She married Jess C. Fletcher August 14, 1937 in Townsend, Montana. They were married 55 years until his death in 1992.
Bernie was a member of the Helena Presbyterian Church and was a homemaker for most of her life. When her sons reached school age she worked for the State of Montana until retirement. Bernie quietly served others. She volunteered for the Civil Defense organization at Central School, Red Cross Blood Bank, she was a Cub Scout den mother, was recognized by Ft. Harrison VA Medical Center for over 2,600 hours of volunteer service and by the American Legion Auxiliary. Bernie was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans. She was active in the Eagles ladies drill team band. Bernie was a Past President of the American Legion Auxiliary and member for over 50 years. She continued to meet with the American Legion Auxiliary Past President‘s Parley for quarterly lunches until shortly before her death. Members of her bowling team in the ‘50’s and ‘60’s also continued to get together monthly until shortly before her death.
For the past 14 years she lived at Touchmark on Saddle Drive. She served there as a mentor for new people moving to Touchmark and was active with helping run their bingo games several days a week. If you asked Bernie what she was proudest of, she’d say it was her 55 wonderful years with her husband Jess and having such a close family. As the last surviving member of the Gummow family she really missed her sisters and brother. She had so many good memories with them. After she and Jess retired they traveled to many parts of the US, Canada, Hawaii, Mexico, Venezuela, China and Europe. They also spent 12 winters at Sun lakes, Arizona. Bernie often said that those 12 years were some of the best of her life.
Bernie was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a brother, Clyde Gummow; six sisters, Dora Bingham, Minnie “Sis” McKinney, Lucille “Lou” Matthews, Cleo “Bobbie” Mulvaney, Viola “Vi” Curry, Geraldine “Gerry” Christensen.
Bernie is survived by her sons; Gil (Arlene) Fletcher, Portland, OR; Bob (Kathy) Fletcher, Bozeman, MT; grandchildren Sherri Fletcher Tye; Susan (David) Hatheway; Tana (Jamie) Koelzer; Dane Fletcher; and great-grandchildren Jack and Natalie Tye; Tevin and Jase Koelzer; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will take place at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. Helena, MT on December 7, 2016 at 12:30 p.m. A reception will be held in the Social Hall of the funeral home after the service. Interment will be at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison.
Memorial contributions are suggested to God’s Love Shelter, 533 N. Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601 or a charity of donor’s choice. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Bernie.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
12:30 p.m.
Wednesday December 7, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Wednesday December 7, 2016
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
12:30 p.m.
Wednesday December 7, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Wednesday December 7, 2016
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Mike McCarthy says
Hi Bobby. So sorry to hear of your moms passing. Wow. 100 years is incredible. My deepest sympathies. From an old friend. Mike McCarthy.
Shirley Mayer Goulart says
To the Fletcher Family. I am so sad that Aunt Bernie has passed on.
We are blessed to have so many great childhood memories. The Christmas parties, Easter and the Fourth of July celebrations and the food. Our Great grandma (Flora) was a women who taught her family that family is first! She demanded that of her children. I know that all of her daughters carried that tradition on. Your parents we amazing people. Your parents were there when my dad (Skip Mayer) passed on with open arms. That showed me so much that weekend. How lucky am I to be a part of this wonderful extra large family. If I called her and said I am coming home she would say come and stay with me. I loved her house, the view and most of all her. Uncle Jess and her would make me laugh. He would say if something happened one sister would be on the phone and then the sister would call another then all night long the phone would ringing telling each other what happened..lol.One of my most fondest memories was when she met my children for the first time…they loved her immediately. She was always ready to make my favorite Apricot Chicken. She was the most amazing women I have ever known. She was always there for me when I needed to feel some family time. I will miss her and continue to love my favorite Great Aunt. She had love for everyone…she didn’t know a stranger. She looked so much like my grandma that when I was there I couldn’t stop looking at her…she was beautiful inside and out. My home Montana will never be the same for me because I won’t be able to see her…I know she is very happy in heaven, she gets to see her family and they are probably partying together. I love you all and I hope that we can continue to stay in touch. God Bless you all through this difficult time. I know my heart is broken…hugs and love cousin Shirley
Georgia Ledbetter says
Dearest Gil, Arlene and girls, Bobby, Kathy and kids,
On Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016 we lost a beautiful women and a truly “great” Aunt.
I am so happy I was able to spend time with her on Mother’s Day 2016. She told me at that time that she was getting tired and ready to go “home”. We both cried when I left that day. In my heart, I knew I would probably not see her again until we were reunited in our heavenly home. It was so hard to hug her and leave that day… It will be just as hard to go “home” and not see Aunt Bernie….that was always something we all looked forward to so much! She reminded all of us of our Grandma Bingham. I have very few happy childhood memories that don’t include Aunt Bernie and Uncle Jess. They never forgot our birthdays, made our Christmas Parties and family picnics so much fun! They always welcomed us with open arms. They were a huge support to us when dad (Skip Mayer) passed away unexpectedly. I don’t know what we would have done without them!
They truly taught all of us the meaning of “family” and how very blessed we were to have such a large one. Aunt Bernie definitely put the “great” in aunt. We could never have had a better one. One of my fondest memories of Aunt Bernie was drinking Bailey’s with her before going to bed each night when we stayed with them. We would have our drink and wonderful conversation. To this day I love Bailey’s!
Although I will miss her so much, I know she is happy to be reunited with all that went before her and especially Uncle Jess! I know he was waiting there with open arms and a few jokes that he had been saving for her when they were reunited in their “heavenly home”.
Until we meet again RIP Aunt Bernie and thank you for being the best Aunt a kid could ever have!!! I love you with all my heart!
My love, prayers and deepest sympathy dear cousins!
Hugs,
Georgia Carole (Mayer) Ledbetter
georgia@tri-technic.com
Becki Smith Currey says
Jess and Bernie were close friends of my parents, Chad and Dolores Smith, and my grandparents, Steve and Ella Johnson. Bernie was such a kind and caring person. She was a wonderful help to Ella in her later years. So sorry she passed, but so glad she had such a great run.
George Porter says
I fondly remember your familyv from so many years ago. Bobby, Gil, Bernice and Jess. Your home on Sixth Avenue, your dad’s new Chevy, and all our boyhood memories. My thoughts and feelings are with you in your moment of loss. I’m sure my brother and father would add their condolences.