Bernice Katherine Wolters

Bernice was born on December 28th, 1931 in Hedgesville, Montana, a town now that does not exist. She had two older brothers and one sister. Three years later another sister was born when she was three years old, they moved to Judith Gap, Montana, a small farming town of approximately 200 people. Dad farmed and Mother delivered milk to the people in town. We had several cows. All of the children were taught to help Mother & Dad whenever needed. When she graduated the 8th grade at age thirteen, she spent her summer and weekends in Garneill, Montana, just a spot in the road; one post office and store. She worked for one dollar a day and that is how she bought school clothes.

She graduated from Judith Gap High School in 1949. There were five in the graduating class. The following fall she started nurses training in Missoula, Montana. After two months the director advised her to go home, work, and take college classes for a year and return the following fall. She moved to Lewistown Montana. After a few short-term jobs, she took a job in a small hospital in town, mainly helping with diabetic menus. This led to home healthcare in private homes, which she enjoyed very much, so she did not return to college. Her first job was on a farm and after the mother got well, they asked her to stay on for a while because she was having some health issues, but Bernice chose to return to Lewistown & work. Bernice was a very shy and insecure person, so she never dated or wanted to marry. Her plans were to keep working & live alone, but in 1956, at the age of 24, she married her best friend’s brother. She quit working at that time, as requested by her husband; a decision she regretted for many years. She was a stay-at-home wife & Mom. They had four children, three boys and a girl. Their second son died in 1959 at six months of age.

They lived in many different places while in Montana. In September of 1960, they moved to Portland Oregon. They lived in both Milwaukie and Portland. In 1977, because of health problems and financial problems, Bernice went to work at Christian Supply Center in Portland. She was employed at Christian Supply for 30 years. She retired in March of 2008 because of her husband’s health. In December of 2009, because of his health problems, they moved to Parkview Christian Retirement, and she continued to live there. Bernice was always a stay-at-home wife & mom, never traveled, or has not seen any of the world. She lived a very quiet life in the shadows of others.

DO NOT have a funeral for me. They are so gross and so unnecessary. My family can say their goodbyes at the funeral home. I am in a better place, so don’t shed a tear. I am really happy, at last at Jesus’ feet. It is a time of JOY and CELEBRATION.

This is all. I love you all very much.

Bernice is survived by her son, Doyle, and Daughter-In-Law, Eileen, her son, Donnie, Sister Rose, five grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.