Berthena Marie Steely Prentice

Berthena M. Prentice of Vancouver, WA passed away very peacefully at home, March 16th at the age of 94. She was born in Elk Creek, MO on November 27, 1918. She grew up with on older brother, Cona Steely.

Berthena graduated from Cabool High School May 23, 1935. Her grandfather built Steely Methodist Chapel and cemetery in Elk Creek, which is currently a historical landmark. Berthena moved to Portland, OR in the early ‘40’s and worked as a welder in the Vancouver shipyards during WWII. She also survived the Vanport Flood in Oregon. Later she worked as a cashier for the very first Safeway Grocery Store built in Portland, OR. This is where she met her soon to be husband, Leon Prentice. They were married February 18, 1950 and had two children, Bill and Janet. She always said her children were a blessing. Her everlasting faith in God gave her strength, patience and tolerance, which bound her family together with Love.

Berthena was a homemaker and was involved in many things including: PTA with the school, sports, dance and more with the children. Some of the many things she enjoyed were sewing, yard work and her beautiful garden of vegetables. She was a very active woman, a hard worker, never complained and was always complimented on her beautiful smile.

Leon Prentice preceded Berthena in death January 8, 2013 after 62 years of marriage. Berthena is survived by her son, Bill and Lisa Prentice; grandchildren, Austin and Kelsey Prentice of West Linn, OR and her daughter, Janet Prentice and husband, Charlie Newson.

Viewing for Berthena will be 10:00am – 4:00pm, Monday, March 25th at the Vancouver Funeral Chapel. A graveside service will be held at 10:30 am, Tuesday, March 26th at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, OR.