Roberta L. "Berta" Smith

Roberta “Berta” Lee Smith passed away at Hospice House in Bellingham on Sunday, July 26, she was 70 years old. Berta was born on January 6, 1950 to parents Louie and Babe Smith. She joined big sister Kim and later would have younger sisters, Annette and Paula.

As a child Berta and her family moved quite often and made homes in several states including Montana, New Mexico, and Arizona. Berta graduated from Winslow High School (AZ) in 1968 after transferring in her senior year from Payson High (AZ) School. In 1969, along with her family she finally settled in Bellingham. In 2013 Berta and her sister Paula moved to Lynden.

However, to Berta, home was wherever she was at the moment and wherever her beloved friends and family were. Friends and family were the cornerstone of her life and she “adopted” so many people that it’s hard to count. But, to be sure, she loved each and every one for their own unique personalities and roles they played in her life. In her later years, when it became more difficult for her to go out, she would spend much time reminiscing about loved ones far and wide.

Berta was a caregiver at heart, a storyteller, and loving soul with an open heart. When her father, Louie, died in 1992, she became the main caregiver of her younger sister Paula until Paula’s death in 2019. Berta spent much of her life in the capacity of caregiving for the elderly as the administrator and staff of retirement homes in Bellingham. While Berta never had children of her own, the nephews and nieces that she was blessed with were the recipients of her unconditional love - we wouldn’t be the people we are today without her in our lives.

Many people remember Berta’s love for creating dolls and beadwork. Dolls were a constant in her house and many people remember dolls in process littering the dining room table or elsewhere. Berta was up for anything - from participating in “hair shows,” to volunteering at the Bellingham Theater Guild to traveling the US with family and friends. As retirement approached she enjoyed the Red Hat Society and the many get-togethers with all the amazing women.

Berta was preceded in death by her parents, Louis “Louie” and Elvina “Babe”, and sisters, Yvonne and Paula. Berta is survived by sisters, Kim Yarnell of Enumclaw, and Annette Schultz of Bellingham; brother-in-law David Schultz; nieces and nephews, Darlene (Jim) Kline, John Minaker, Troy Yarnell, Kelly (Shelly) Yarnell, Jerrie (Troy) Luginbill, Skye Yarnell, Alex (Aziza) Schultz and DeAnne (Josh) York; great nieces and nephews, Jordan (Ryan) Pruden, Archer Luginbill, Olivia Kline, Skylar, Alexis and Ty Yarnell, Nicholas Minaker, June Schultz, Penelope, Frankie and Felix York and great-great nephews Finn and Callahan and great-great niece Luna.

Berta’s death defines a new chapter in all of our lives. No doubt she will be deeply missed by her family and amazing friends. Her family would like to give a special thanks to Patricia Gallager for not only her special caregiving over the past several years, but doing so with the love of her friendship with Berta that spanned several decades. Also, thanks to Sarah Sherwood for putting her heart into caregiving over the past year. We are forever grateful.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Whatcom Hospice House who cared for Berta in the last few days of her life. Whatcom Hospice House will forever be a special place to our family.

Memories

From Joan Marangoni

So sorry for your family's loss. Sending you love long distance. 

Jul 31, 2020

From Liz Lockman

I'm so sorry to hear of Berta's passing. She often spoke to me about her family and how much she loved and appreciated them. Keeping you all in my thoughts.

Aug 13, 2020

From Shirley (Smith…

I'm so sorry to hear that Berta has passed.  I knew her and her family members (no relation) from so many years ago.  Her Dad Louie was even influential in teaching me how to drive.  Blessings to you all as you celebrate her memory.   

Aug 13, 2020

From Jerrie

Liz,

Thank you for all you did with/for Berta. The family appreciates you and your hard work and continuous support. You are a true asset to our community. Berta always looked forward to your calls and when the phone became hard for her you were one of the people she talked about not talking to regularly.

Thanks again Liz!

Jerrie

Aug 20, 2020

From Jerrie

Shirley, 

I don't think we've ever met, however, your message brought tears to my eyes. Berta was certainly a treasure and my grandpa Louie was one of a kind. He did love to help people learn to drive...Thank you for your condolences. ~ Jerrie

Aug 20, 2020

From Kathy stewart

I'm so sorry to get news of Berta's passing. I met her through work in common and we immediately enjoyed each other's company. I loved her vibrant personality, honesty, and humor. We both loved movies and spent more than a few "academy awards" ceremonies together, critiquing and honoring our favs. I so loved being with her. My condolence to her family, which she constantly informed me of big events and milestones. She loved her nieces and nephews as her own children. 
I didn't get to see her again after she moved to Lynden, much to my regret. I will always remember her with that unique voice and twinkle in her eye. I am so sorry she's gone but I know she would want me to celebrate our friendship and that's what I'll do, until it's my turn.

Mar 08, 2022

From Jerrie

Kathy, I am so blessed to have read your condolences. I am one of the nieces and is heartwarming to read your words. I remember her Academy Awards outings to the Mt. Baker Theater (my husband and I attended one year when she was there with a friend - maybe it was you!). Thank you for your words. Even years later I go back and check her page...it is a comfort. 

Dec 05, 2022

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