Bertha Lee Nations Whiteside

Bertha Lee (Hampton)Nations Whiteside

Loving Mother

Loving Mother Bertha Lee Nations Whiteside, also known as "Queen of NW Bluegrass" passed away on October 30, 2025 , at the age of 95 in Arlington, WA. Born on December 8, 1929, in Hardin, NC,. Although we are missing her so much, we know she is singing and having a large reunion in Heaven. She was a cherished figure in her community and a beacon of joy and generosity.

Bertha's journey began in North Carolina, where she helped her family pick cotton at a young age and the oldest of 4. It was there she discovered her passion of music and her love of Jesus. By the age of 13, she rode the bus to perform on a radio show in Gastonia, NC. At 15, she married Sam Nations, and left N.C moving far off to the little Logging Town of Darrington. As a homemaker she raised four loving children. Alongside her husband, she was a founder and lifetime Board Member of the Darrington Bluegrass Association, significantly contributing to the local music scene.

Throughout her life, Bertha was a loving and giving Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Aunt and Friend. Known for her vibrant social presence and sense of humor, she cherished her family, Church, gardening, canning, fishing, and loved sharing meals with her friends. She believed in working hard and having fun after the work was done. Her love for bluegrass and gospel music deepened over the years, leading her to play at numerous Churches, Festivals and Jam Sessions across the country and Canada.

Bertha is survived by her sister, Peggy Harris Benoy; children, Darrell Nations (Oeson Hillegass), Shirley Nations Harwell, Michael Nations, and Brenda Nations Fecht (Frank Knowles); numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Marshall and Dovie Harris Hampton, her husbands, Samuel Nations and Otis Whiteside, her sister Lucy Hampton Taylor (Ford), her brother Calvin Hampton (Vivian), her granddaughter Lisa Nations, and daughter-in-law Eileen Nations.

The lights may dim but the light in her "spirited heart of love" will never dim and will remain in her kids, grandkids, and the many her life has touched. Blessed beyond measure to have had a lifetime of love from her and for her. She would praise her Lord and children and their families for her long life and "taking good care of her" . Her words of wisdom will forever be cherished. "Go have fun , do what you can now, before you get old and can't." and "I just love everybody."

A service to honor Bertha's life will be held at Glad Tidings Assembly of God, 1272 SR 530 NE, Darrington, WA, on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. A dinner will follow at the Darrington Community Center. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Darrington Memorial Dinner Fund or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are being handled by Weller Funeral Home, located at 327 N Macleod Ave, Arlington, WA. Bertha's legacy of love, music, and community will be remembered and celebrated by all who knew her.