Bertha Reiber

Bertha Reiber went to her heavenly home in the early hours of January 2, 2012 at the Collier Hospice Center. Bertha passed away from complications due to a broken hip. She was just 3 months short of turning 99 years old. Bertha was born to Marie and John Schauerman in Lincoln, Nebraska on April 18, 1913, shortly after her parents arrived in America from Brunedahl, Russia. The Schauerman family had been living in Russia after emigrating from Germany. She was one of 9 children including 5 boys and 4 girls. Bertha grew up on farms in both Nebraska and Colorado. Around the age of 14 she met her lifelong sweetheart, Carl Reiber, in Windsor, Colorado. After courting for 3 years, Carl and Bertha were married on August 18, 1930 in Fort Morgan, Colorado. Bertha and Carl farmed for many years in Severance, Colorado and the state of Washington, before leaving the farm life behind to live in the city. They settled at 1120 S. Utica Street in Denver, Colorado…. the home that they lived in for the rest of their years. After leaving the farm and moving to Denver, Bertha worked as a machine operator at Bailey Manufacturing, and also at Miller Stockman, until she and Carl decided to retire. Bertha and Carl enjoyed their new found time of relaxation and spent a lot of time working in their beautiful yard and flower gardens. When they wanted to take some time away from the city, Bertha and Carl headed out with their truck and camper for many, many camping and fishing trips. Oh how they loved to be by the lake. They often shared their “nature” experiences with their children and grandchildren. They also did some traveling around the United States and up into Canada. Bertha and Carl were married for nearly 64 years. During those wonderful years of marriage they had 5 children: Don, Dorothy, Guy, Hank, and MaryAnn. The legacy of this wonderful union includes 20 grandchildren, 46 great grandchildren, 25 great-great grandchildren, and 4 great-great-great grandchildren, (with more on the way). Bertha was preceded in death by her husband Carl, her 3 sons, 2 grandchildren, and 1 great-great-great grandchild.

Bertha was a strong and amazing woman. She was loved very much by her entire family and will be greatly missed. Bertha was a devote Christian woman with unwavering faith, and we know that she is now in her eternal resting place of heaven. She finally got her well-deserved angel wings!