Alberta Pauline Zink

Alberta “Bert” Pauline (Quade) Zink passed away peacefully and entered the Gates of Heaven on December 26, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. She loved the Lord and Savior, and her faith carried her through her battle with Alzheimer’s and a recent illness that lead to her death. Alberta was born on June 27, 1947, in Beloit, Kansas to Fred and Edna (Nusbaum) Quade. She grew up on the farm in Hunter, Kansas, where she attended elementary school. Her family later moved to Great Bend, Kansas, where she completed junior high and was a 1965 graduate of Great Bend High School. She accepted the Lord at an early age, and was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church located in both Hunter and Great Bend. Alberta met the love of her life, Robert “Bud” Zink, while living in Wichita, KS. They were married in 1970, and later moved to Kansas City, Kansas. To this union, Melissa Dawn was born on February 17, 1973.

During and after high school, Alberta worked for insurance agent Russell Grant. When she moved to Wichita, she worked for McCaslin Stores as head cashier, department manager and office manager. Later, she worked in Montgomery Ward’s automotive department, as well as at Ready-to-Wear and in bookkeeping. After moving to Kansas City, Alberta worked for TG&Y as head cashier and office manager. In 1973, Bert left the workforce to devote her time to caring for Melissa. When Melissa entered Kindergarten, Bert began working for the Kansas City, Kansas School District, USD 500, in nutritional services. During her time with USD 500, she managed Arrowhead Middle School and five elementary schools. In 1987, Alberta was appointed the role of the Northeast Area Representative for the state of Kansas Food Service Association. She retired from USD 500 in 2008 after twenty-nine years of service.

Alberta was a strong, independent woman known for her love of life, family, and friends. She was a mother to many by opening her home to family, friends, and the neighborhood kids. Bert offered comfort and guidance through the many conversations shared around the dining room table. Known for being outspoken and direct, Bert never beat around the bush, instead delivering her message with kindness, humor, and a few choice words along the way. She loved to travel with family and friends, most recently on a vacation with Bert’s Girls – Missy, Angie, Julie, Christine, and Amy. A true gift to those who knew her, Alberta was compassionate, loving, humorous, caring, onery, and always came with a little sass.

Alberta was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Edna (Nusbaum) Quade; her husband, Robert “Bud” Zink; her sister, Lenora Grover; her stepdaughter, Ginger Gordon; and her stepson, Robbie Zink. Alberta is survived by her daughter, Melissa Zink (John) of Kansas City, her brothers Doug (Dorothy) Quade of Great Bend and Brian (Patty) Quade of Hoisington, her daughter-in-law Nancy Zink of Wichita, her eight grandchildren, and eleven nieces and nephews.

The family extends their deepest appreciation to the staff of Benton House of Lenexa and Phoenix Home Care & Hospice for their excellent service and care of Alberta.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 10:00 am at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 701 N. 94th Street, Kansas City, KS 66112. Funeral service will begin at 11:00 am.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Alberta Zink.