Berna Irene Newman, 88
Berna Irene Newman, 88, of Columbia Falls, passed away peacefully Monday, June 16, 2008, at the Montana Veterans Home, where she spent the last three years of her life. She was the daughter of Leslie Grant and Agnes Irene (Ludolph) Adams and was born Nov. 22, 1919, in Remer, Minn. She was the oldest of 15 children born of that union.
Berna is survived by seven of her nine children, sons, Bill and Beverly Hawkinson of Apache Junction, Ariz., Edward and Sharon Hawkinson of Whitefish, and Brian Newman of Portland; daughters, Vivian and Bill Vanleishout of Eureka, Sandy and Bill Roose of Eureka, Norma and Maurice Leib of Columbia Falls, and Vicki Parker of Kalispell; and stepdaughter, Tammy Selves, of Pocatello, Idaho. Also surviving are her sisters, Lorraine Zerbe, Alverna Lehman, Eloise Jesertiz, Constance Rauch, Bonnie Waldahl, Judith Johnson and Myrna Paine; brother, Marvin Adams; and many nieces and nephews.
At the time of her passing, Berna had 24 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Newman, in 2000; her son, Garry Hawkinson, in 1963; and a daughter, Karen Siefke, in June 2003; also two granddaughters, Gittanna and Taylor; her parents; and several brothers and sisters.
Berna was a hard-working lady, working at many different jobs throughout her life. She worked until breaking her hip a few years ago, as she couldn't be idle. She had a great love for her family, teaching them all the value of hard work. They were the most important part of her life.
She had a great many interests as she loved to travel, especially to Minnesota, to visit her brothers and sisters. She had a great love for animals, especially cats and dogs. Rodeos, crocheting and working in her garden with her posies, and baking bread and rolls for her children and grandchildren - as she was an awesome cook - kept her busy.
A service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 20, at Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls. Burial will be afterward in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Arrangements are with Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls.