Bertha D. Best of Helena passed away on January 27, 2011, at the age of 90, at Big Sky Care Center with her niece, Diana Jewett and good friend Judy Will by her side. She was born to Laura and Thomas Edwards on September 27, 1920 in Twin Bridges, Montana.
Bertha married Cecil McClure in Twin Bridges on the September 26, 1938. They had one daughter, Edie Marie. Cecil died in 1958. She then married, Virgil L. Best on February 20, 1959. They spent most of their married life in Helena where she worked at the Shodair Children’s Hospital for sixteen years. Virgil passed away on March 25, 1983.
Her brother, Howard Edwards, and her sisters, Dorothy Buttons and Delphine Bock precede her in death. Bertha was the youngest of the four children. Also preceding Bertha in death are several extended family members.
She is survived by her daughter, Edie McClure of Colorado; her two grandchildren, Scott (Nancy) Carlson of Huntsburg, OH and Beth Carlson Vanderhoff of Denver CO; four great-grandchildren, Anna, Abigail Carlson and Megan, Nicolas Vanderhoff; numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Bertha has requested that there would be no formal services. She will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Helena on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at 11 a.m. next to her husband Virgil. To share condolences to the family or to share a memory of Bertha, please visit: www.retzfuneralhome.com.
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Carol E. Bonner says
Diane,
I am thinking of you at this time & remembering the time I met Bertha at your home at Canyon Ferry.
Hugs,
Carol
Helen Richter says
To the family of Bertha Best:
I was sorry to learn that Bertha passed away. I worked with her for many years at Shoidar Hospital.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
Helen (Bucky) Richter.
Donna Magill says
To Bertha’s Family:
Please accept my sincere condolences in the passing of Bertie. I enjoyed bowling with her in the Senior Bowling League years ago in Helena. She was a dear lady and always had a smile for everyone. I’m sure she will be missed by many.
Donna Magill
Peggy and Larriann says
Diane, our sincere condolences to you and yours. We truly enjoyed every minute we were blessed to have Bertha in our company. We also feel fortunate to have crossed paths with you and commend you for your dedication and love shown to Bertha.
Carol Ham says
I only met Bertha once and we had a wonderful talk as we helped her move from Whitehall to Helena. She was also a great friend of Ada Kercher’s. Our prayers are sent to family and friends.
The Kercher Family and Carol Ham
Nan Herrin says
To the family of Bertha Best. I am sorry to hear of Bertha’s passing. I was her landlady and she was my renter, and we were next door neighbors for almost five years. She was an exceptional lady. She would show up at my door every so often to surprise me with a bowl of her great pototo salad. Bertha was a good friend. I am glad to have known her. Please accept my sincere sympathy for her loss. I know many others will miss her too. Nan Herrin
Karen and Dick Bourquin says
To Bertha’s family, we send our sincere thoughts and prayers during this sad time. Bertha and I bowled together for many years, and we always had such a good time together on Wednesday nights at the bowling alley. She was a sweet lady and may God bless her always
Glenna Kendall says
My condolences to Bertha’s family. Bertha was a fine lady and was always so kind. I met Bertha many years ago when Edie and I were good friends.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. God Bless all of you, Glenna Kendall