Bertha Marie Rowland

December 21, 1911, Lewistown, Montana ~

May 29th 2011, Steilacoom, Washington

Bertha Marie Trembath was born to parents William J. and Bertha Jane (Hull) Trembath on December 21, 1911 in Lewistown, Montana. She lived much of her childhood in Lewistown, Montana and moved with her family to the Salem, Oregon when she was 11.

She exchanged wedding vows with John D. Rowland on December 21, 1930 (also her birthday).

Bertha began work as a receiving clerk for Montgomery Ward in 1958 and retired in 1976.

She was an avid gardener. Bertha achieved the honor of Grand Champion and was awarded "Best Yard" by the Housing Authority on seven occasions. She will be remembered as someone who never did things "half way".

When her daughter-in-law Sharon became disabled in 1997, Bertha served as Sharon's caregiver until 2009. She will be forever remembered for the attentive and loving care that she gave to Sharon and for the special relationship between the two of them.

Bertha is predeceased by her husband, John; a brother, Albert Trembath; and Sisters, Grace Eastbrook, Mary Trembath, and Margaret Ramseyer. She is survived by her son, Jerry Rowland and his wife Sharon; grandchildren Phillip A. Rowland, John H. Rowland, Dorothy M. Moore, and Erik A. Myrvold; 18 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.

Bertha will be laid to rest in Skyline Memorial Gardens in the garden of Last Supper.

Arrangements under the direction of Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, Portland, OR. (503) 292-6611