Bertha Schmidt was born on March 29, 1923 on a farm 5 miles northwest of Corn, OK to Mr. & Mrs. C. J. Reimer and passed away on June 11, 2014 in Westminster, CO.

Funeral services will be conducted by Chris Beard, family member, at the First Baptist Church of Burlington, CO on June 16, 2014 at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery.

She grew up on a farm after old enough to help with farm chores - worked herding cattle by horseback along the roadside always taking along magazines to clip recipes to pass time. Farm work included hoeing then picking the cotton, helping harvest crops of wheat, maize, corn; milking cows, feeding chickens, pigs and baby calves.

Bertha went to a country school for the first 8 grades competing in spelling contests, participating in Christmas programs, singing, playing guitar and accordion. She also liked playing ball. Most of the time she walked to school 1 miles each way; when snow was deep, her father would take them to school by horse and wagon. She attended Corn High again participating in school plays, singing in various groups such as glee club, quartets, and trios, church singing groups, and performing at the radio station and for patients at the hospital.

She worked as a seamstress and in a coffee shop for a time until she met and married Arthur Schmidt on February 14, 1947. They had 3 children: Bobby, Brenda, and Marcia. With 3 young children at home, she forged the unusual path for that time by starting college, working toward a career as a home economics and elementary teacher. After several years of teaching in Oklahoma, she and Art moved to Burlington in 1961 where she taught elementary students for about 25 years.

Volunteerism and community service were always a big part of Berthas life. She actively served in her churches through the years as a Sunday school teacher, Praise Team/choir member and various committees. With a love for cooking and fellowship she served many years and many delicious recipes through her service on the kitchen committee. Bertha was a member/officer of Lions Club, Burlington AARP, member/officer of Womens Missionary Union, Colorado Welcome Center, and Meals on Wheels.

As a prayer warrior for her family and loved ones; all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were lifted up to the Lord daily by name until her last day.

Bertha was preceded in death by Arthur, her husband of 66 years, her parents, and siblings Ervin, Elsie, Marie, and Minnie.

She is survived by children Bob (Monica) Schmidt of Alva, OK; Brenda (Gary) Kottke of Westminster, CO; Marcia (Rex) Mahlman of Branson, MO; siblings Helen Ratzloff and James Reimer; grandchildren Jason Schmidt, Tiffany Pierce, Bevan (Kelly) Devine Arch, Kerri (Chris) Beard, and Lindy (Joe) Charles; and 10 great grandchildren.

Suggested memorial contributions are to the First Baptist Church of Burlington or MacArthur Senior Center.