Bertha Monroe

Bertha Rein Monroe, 100, passed away quietly at her home in Whitefish with her family at her side Oct. 15, 2005.

Bertha was born in Dash Township, N.D., on April 8, 1905, to Frederick and Mary Rein. She was one of eight children. The Rein family farmed in North Dakota and Canada before settling in Montana in 1910. The family homesteaded near the Pablo Reservoir until her father was killed in an automobile crash near Hot Springs in 1918.

Bertha's mother later married Will Seifert and remained in the Polson area. Bertha worked on the family farm, attended school and worked as a housekeeper. By the 1940s, Bertha and her daughter Betty Janehad moved to Reno, Nev., where she worked as a seamstress. While working at an awning shop in Reno, Bertha met the love of her life, David Monroe.

Dave and Bertha were married Sept. 15, 1947, and shortly thereafter moved to Phoenix. In 1954, they moved to Montana and opened their own awning shop, Monroe's Awning and Canvas. In January 1962, Dave was selected to work for the International Union as a representative. Together they traveled the United States on union business, visiting every continental state but Maine.

On annual vacations, the couple always came home to Montana to visit family and friends. Dave and Bertha finally retired Nov. 1, 1979, to Whitefish.

Bertha's passions in life included visits with family and friends, dancing, fishing, huckleberry picking, bowling, gardening and needlework. She actively bowled in two leagues until age 95. At one time she was the Grand Duchess (oldest active member) of the Montana State Bowling League.

She loved life, her husband Dave, family and dear friends. She will definitely be missed.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 58 years, Dave Monroe, this past August.

Bertha is survived by two brothers, Harold and Eddie Seifert; three grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; five great great grandchildren; and many very close nieces, nephews and friends.

Dave and Bertha's grandsons, Calvin and David, would like to sincerely thank all the family, friends and caregivers who helped Dave and Bertha during the past few years to keep their independence and stay together at home during their final years.

At Bertha's request, there will be no services and cremation has already taken place.