Bertha T. Salazar

Bertha Salazar, age 61, danced her way into heaven on August 11, 2017, after a valiant 7 year battle with Mantle Cell Lymphoma. She was born November 29, 1955 in Yuma, Arizona to Austin and Ellen Thornberry. After making her way to Texas, she met the man, George Salazar, whom she would marry in 1973 and spend the rest of her days with.

Bertha was a friend to all. Her home always had an open-door policy and all in need were invited to come in. Compassion and empathy ruled her heart.

When not hard at work at Mario Sinacola & Sons, Bertha enjoyed sewing and cooking. Sitting still was not something that came easy to her. MaMaw’s Diner was the best place in town and frequented by her large family.

Bertha made many sacrifices over the years to ensure that her family was always well cared for. Christmas was her favorite holiday and she loved shopping for her grandkids. She made sure that no one went without and each one was created equally. Her motto was always, “Whatever makes you happy.”

Bertha is survived by her husband of 44 years, George Salazar; her son, George Salazar; her two daughters and their husbands, Staci Salazar and Colby Shipwash, and Stephanie and Jay Evans; grandchildren, Juan Salazar, Martin Salazar, Cheyenne Kiernan, Destinee Salazar-Evans, Angel Salazar, Wyatt Shipwash, Gabriel Salazar, Jarrett Evans, Jaden Shipwash, Jaci Shipwash, and Joeli Shipwash; in addition to one grandchild-in-law, Nic Kiernan; her sisters, Gloria Dodson, Rita Harwell, Betty Carroll; her brother, Bert Thornberry; plus her many nieces and nephews. All of these she loved beyond measure.

Bertha was preceded in death by her parents, “Ace” and Ellen Thornberry; her sister, Linda Gilmore; her nephew, Billy Gilmore; and her grandchild, Reagan Shipwash. The dance floor in heaven is no doubt filled with love and laughter.

Please join us celebrating her life Wednesday morning, August 16, 2017, between 11:00 am - 12:00 pm at Hope Fellowship - Frisco West, 309 Main St, Frisco, TX.

Interment will immediately follow at Calvary Hill Cemetery in Dallas, TX.

The family will also be accepting guests Tuesday, 8/15, between 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm at Rhoton Funeral Home, 1511 I-35E, Carrollton, TX.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to her GoFundMe account at https://www.gofundme.com/prayfightwin or to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.