Bertha Marie Zevenbergen Rice
We said goodbye to our amazing Mom on August 23, 2009.
She was born May 14, 1915 on an Indian reservation in a teepee in Walt Hill, Nebraska. Her father, John Bowman, was an Indian agent; her mother was Mary Elizabeth Bowman. At age 2, her grandparents adopted her.
Bertha worked 21 years for Day’s Tailored Clothing, starting by stacking pants on shelves. Hollis and Judd Day recognized her intelligence and people skills and she became supervisor of their Seattle Woolen Mills warehouse. More than 50 people respected her leadership. She was proud of her accomplishments.
Family and friends will always remember her smile and wonderful laugh.
Bertha was happiest when she was caring for others or sharing her many talents. She was a fabulous cook. Her other interests were reading (favorite author Danielle Steel), dancing (loved Dancing with the Stars), crocheting, her flower garden, and cribbage.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 30 years, Neal Zevenbergen; Earl Rice, her loving husband of 12 years; and son-in-law T. Warren Sand.
She is survived by two daughters Mary Ellen Sand and Betty Lou Lane (Leon); four grandchildren Debra Hallock (Jeff), Michael Lane (Ivy), Matthew Lane (Carey), and Marc Lane (Sabrina); seven great-grandchildren Tamara Buschell (Josh), Evan Hallock, Chad Lane, Alexandria Lane, Jason Lane, Taylor Lane, and Katelyn Lane.
The family appreciates the years of outstanding care given by Dr. Janice Olson and Dr. Melvin Henry.
Family graveside services will be held at 11:30 AM, Monday, August 31, 2009 followed by a memorial service at 1:00 PM in the Mountain View Garden Chapel.
In lieu of flowers Bertha requested that donations be made to Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital or the Make A Wish Foundation.
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home. 584-0252. Please sign online guestbook at www.mountainviewtacoma.com.
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