Bertha B. Fuentes

In 1956, Bertha married her beloved husband, Leopoldo “Paul” Fuentes, and together they built a life filled with love and purpose. The couple settled in Gering, where they both worked at Gering Junior High. Both were cherished by many of the students they came to know there, and they maintained lasting friendships with many of them over the years. Everywhere they went, former students and families would stop to say hello and share a hug. Over time, they “graduated” from being called mom and dad to being called grandma and grandpa.

Bertha and Paul were parishioners at Christ the King Catholic Church for more than 60 years. Bertha’s faith was an important part of her life, and she gave her time to the church by helping with funerals, banquets, and other parish activities before moving to Colorado later in life.

After Paul’s passing in 2021, Bertha relocated to Colorado to be closer to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She found immense joy in being part of their daily lives and activities. She quickly became “grandma” to neighbors and the children who came through the home. She left a lasting mark on the families around her.

She enjoyed cooking, reading, sewing, walking at the mall, trips to Walmart, and lunches with her grandchildren. Bertha loved to laugh, listen to music, and dance, especially with Paul and later with her great-grandchildren.

Bertha is survived by her family: son, Leo Fuentes; granddaughter, Stephanie Fuentes (Joe Harvey); grandson, Michael Fuentes (Sandi Stump); granddaughter, Christine Dice (Tyler Dice); great-grandsons, Michael James Fuentes II, Alex James Harvey, Jacob James Harvey, and Joseph Tyler Dice; and daughter-in-law, Rosemary Fuentes-Malone.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leopoldo “Paul” Fuentes; son, James “Jim” Fuentes; daughter, Virginia Fuentes; mother, Dolores Moreno Bellman; and great-granddaughter, Isabella Jannette Dice.

Bertha’s legacy is one of love, faith, laughter, and dedication to those she held dear. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.