Bertha Paul, age 93, of Helena, MT, died Sunday afternoon, November 2, 2014, in Helena after a long illness.
Born Bertha Edith Hespen on September 9, 1921, on a rural ranch near Dry Creek, Montana, she was the daughter of John and Abigail Hespen. Bertha attended school in nearby Manhattan and Belgrade before moving to Townsend at age 13. In Townsend, Bertha competed for the school track teams and, quick as she was, often won her races.
Bertha married Arthur J. Smith on April 18, 1942, in Broadwater county and they had five children together. Bertha enjoyed playing the piano, cooking, fishing, camping, and gathering with family and friends. Her home was always an oasis to familiar visitors. Smith passed in 1951.
She married Jack Paul in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on June 17, 1959. They resided in Manhattan and Three Forks before moving to Helena in 1974. Bertha used to like to say that she “never had a steak dinner” until she met Jack, to whom she was married for 37 years.
After raising eight children, Bertha worked at Broadwater Hospital and then, later, spent 15 years working in the Montana Unemployment office in Helena, where she made many lifelong friendships.
She is survived by four sons, Robert Bond of Three Forks; Dave Bond of Boulder; Ronald “Speed” and Connie Smith of Helena; William and Susan Smith of Helena; and four daughters, Carol and Matt Flikemma of Churchill; Linda Smith of Helena; Marilyn Paul of Lincoln; and Jackie and Jay Allen of Missoula. She also leaves behind two stepdaughters, Sally Benawald of Stevensville, and Shirley Hinz, of Bozeman.
Bertha also leaves behind 25 grandchildren, including Jason Paul of Coos Bay, Oregon, Becky Miller of Idaho Falls, and Mark Girdler of Helena, as well as nearly 40 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jack Paul, brother Robert Hespen, sister Edith Smith, daughter Geraldine Smith, and daughters-in-law Sally Bond and Sheila Bond.
There will be open visitation hours from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday, November 7th at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E. 6th Ave, Helena, MT 59601. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 8, 2014, at 9:30 a.m. at Retz Funeral Home in Helena. Chaplin Steve Strock will officiate. Graveside services will follow at noon at the Meadow View Cemetery in Manhattan, MT. She will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband Jack and join him in Heaven. A reception will take place after the burial at the Community Room of the Conservation District, 120 S. 5th St., Manhattan, Montana, 59741.
A memorial has been established by the family to Rocky Mountain Hospice of Helena, 1075 N. Rodney St. #102, Helena, MT 59601. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Bertha.
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday November 7, 2014
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Ave
Helena, MT 59601
Funeral Service
9:30 a.m.
Saturday November 8, 2014
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Ave
Helena, MT 59601
Reception
Following the Burial
Saturday November 8, 2014
Community Room of the Conservation District
120 S. 5th St.
Manhattan , MT 59741
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday November 7, 2014
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Ave
Helena, MT 59601
Funeral Service
9:30 a.m.
Saturday November 8, 2014
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Ave
Helena, MT 59601
Reception
Following the Burial
Saturday November 8, 2014
Community Room of the Conservation District
120 S. 5th St.
Manhattan , MT 59741
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Valerie says
Grandma, I am heartbroken to know that you are no longer with us, but I will rejoice in knowing that you are with God in Heaven, reunited with Grandpa and so many other loved ones. I will always remember our family barbecues at your house in the valley, playing cards with you and Grandpa, and playing with the big bucket of toys whenever we came to visit. I have so many fond memories of you and Grandpa. I know right now, you are with God, smiling down at each and every one of us!
Rest In Peace, Grandma!!!!
Love, Valerie
Trinda Smith says
Aunt Bertha, we love you and know you are our angel now, reunited with Edith and all those you held dear. We will never forget your wonderful smile and the great visits we had with you. Thanks for being with us for 93 years, and for your generous heart and lively spirit.
With love,
John and Trinda
Michael P. McVeigh, R.N. says
I had the greatest pleasure of caring for Bertha at The Big Sky Care Center in Helena, Montana for approximately 6 months while I worked there. She was a genuine Montanan and I enjoyed listening to her recollections of her life and her wonderful family. She was without a doubt my favorite resident at that facility and I took extra time with her to make sure her care was the best. There were many times that I put my arm around her shoulders and reassured her that everything was going to be alright. With tears in my eyes, I write this summation of my short time with her, but I realize that now she is much happier with her loved ones that have gone to heaven before her. My thoughts and prayers will always be with you Bertha. God bless you and thank you for the times we spent together.