Bertha Buehler was born to John and Bertha (Fischer) Buehler on May 23, 1917 at Leader, Saskatchewan. She had an older brother, Arthur. Her mother died when she was two days old. Her maternal grandmother looked after her until her father married her mother’s sister, Alvina.
Bertha was the oldest daughter in a large family and was needed to help much in the home but she was always cheerful and loved her brothers and sisters.
The family moved to the Veteran area where she attended Jewett school. After leaving school she took various jobs in the community, one as a maid in the Royal Crown Hotel in Coronation.
Bertha married Verne Butler on March 25, 1946. Their home was the farm where Verne was born and raised in the Hemaruka area. There they spent over 52 years together working hard but leading a quiet, happy life.
Two daughters were born to them, Jeanette and Donna. Both girls were born in the winter when there was much snow, it was very cold and roads were impassable. Bertha had to move to Consort to await both births, a time of separation and loneliness for the young couple. After the girls grew up and left home, Verne and Bertha enjoyed discing and other community events and did short road trips to shop and go out for dinner.
Grandchildren came along. Bertha’s greatest enjoyment was surprising them with Christmas and birthday presents. Bertha also did embroidery and knitting in her quiet times and made some pretty things. Company was always welcome at the Butler’s and they for sure never left hungry. There was always savory roast beef, mashed potatoes and all the cake and coffee you might want!
Cheerful and fun-loving described Bertha well. Her sunny disposition attracted many friends when she had to move into the Assisted Living in Coronation after her dear Verne passed away. There she met another lonely person, a gentleman, Ben Heistad. They were married right there in the Complex and shared family and friends for several happy years.
Courageous and kind also describe her as she lived out her final years just loving her family, her friends and all who cared for her in the Assisted Living and Long Term Care Centre.
She went peacefully to her Heavenly home after a long meaningful life. Bertha is survived by her daughters Jeanette (Nils) Berg and their children; Lyle (Barbie Evans) Berg Grant (Charla) Berg Bradley (Janice) Berg, Owen (Jennifer) Berg and their children Anna, Cate and Eva. Donna (Harold) Kelm and their children; Rhonda (Wes Charles) Kelm Kevin (Corey Opsahl) Kelm and their children Brandt and Cassidy Kelm.
Also sisters and brothers; Gladys (Vic) Fulton and Irene (Albert) Graham, Henry (Marge) Buehler and Norman (Eileen) Buehler and sister-in-law; Margaret Dafoe.
She was predeceased by husband Verne Butler on November 23, 1998 and by second husband Ben Heistad in February of 2008 as well as siblings Alfred, Bill, Albert, Herb, Mel, Arthur and sister Ida.
A ceremony to celebrate Bertha’s life was held at the Veteran Full Gospel Church in Veteran, Alberta on Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at 2 pm with Rev. Darrel Durksen officiating.
As an expression of sympathy and in loving memory of Bertha, memorial contributions may be made to the Coronation Hospital and Care Centre or to a charity of your choice in care of Coronation Funeral Home P.O. Box 35 Coronation, Alberta T0C 1C0 who have been entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements. 403.578.2928
Card of Thanks
We would like to thank Dr. Thompson, Dr. Murphy and all of the staff for the wonderful care they gave Bertha during her time spent at assisted living and long term care in Coronation.
Thank you also to all of her very special neighbours and friends for all of the wonderful visits and time spent with Bertha. It meant so much to her and to us.
Special thanks to Pastor Darrel Durksen for your words of comfort, to Carolyn Devereux for her beautiful gift of music and to the Full Gospel Church Ladies for the wonderful lunch they provided.
We would also like to say thank you to Sylvie Tremblay and the staff of Coronation Funeral Home for helping us arrange a beautiful final tribute to Mom’s long meaningful life.
The Bertha Butler-Heistad Family;
Jeanette (Nils) Berg and family
And Donna (Harold) Kelm and family
