Bertha Jean (Jorgenson) Gostnell, 69

Bertha Jean (Jorgenson) Gostnell, 69, of Columbia Falls, passed away Monday, Aug. 29, 2011, at Northwest Health Center in Kalispell.

She was born in San Francisco on May 4, 1942, the daughter of Hiram W. and Rose (Lacayo) Jorgenson. Bertha graduated from Buchser High School in Santa Clara, Calif., and, after graduating from votech school, she worked as a key punch operator for Westinghouse, in Sunnyvale, Calif.

Bertha married Richard A. Gostnell of Colorado Springs, Colo., on March 2, 1963, and together with their four children moved to Columbia Falls in 1970. In 1974 they moved to Libby where she became very active in the Eagles Club, serving one year as president of the women's auxiliary. She also had two newspaper motor routes. In 1990 she and her family moved back to Columbia Falls where she worked for Pamida until the store closed, and then she worked for Shopko until her retirement.

She enjoyed working in her garden, growing flowers, working on her family tree, gold panning, jewelry making, crocheting, quilt making, sewing, dancing, singing, stamp collecting and model railroading.

She was an active member of her church, serving with the CCW at St. Richard’s Parish and other activities.

In February 2011 she underwent surgery for cervical cancer; on June 29 she underwent more surgery; on Aug. 22 she was admitted to Kalispell Regional Medical Center; on Aug 24 she was moved to Northwest Health Center (hospice) where she passed away on Aug. 29.

Bertha was preceded in death by her parents; a nephew, Tony Jorgenson; and son-in-law, Charles “Bo” Clay.

She is survived by her husband, Richard A. Gostnell; two daughters, Lisa A. Gostnell and Julie M. Clay; two sons, Eric J. Gostnell and Joseph A. Gostnell; as well as five brothers, three sisters, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Bertha was a very special and loved person; she will surely be missed by her family and friends.

Viewing will be from 2 to 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2, at Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls, followed by the rosary. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 3, at St. Richard's Parish in Columbia Falls, with interment at St. Richard’s Cemetery.

You are invited to go to www.columbiamortuary.com to offer condolences and view Bertha's tribute wall. Arrangements are entrusted to Columbia Mortuary.