Bertha Christine McCahan, 99

Bertha Christine McCahan, 99, of Kalispell, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012, at Immanuel Lutheran Home.

“Bert” was more affectionately known to many of her friends and family as “Grandma Bert.”  

She was born July 25, 1913, at the family homestead at Kenilworth Township, Mont., to Ona and Einar Berg.  

Her education started in the country schools for the first five years and then her family moved from their homestead place to Big Sandy. Bert attended Big Sandy Schools and graduated from Big Sandy High School in 1931. She then attended Northern Montana College in Havre and received her degree in education in 1934. She taught in rural schools in the Bear Paw Mountains for four years, Colony Bay and The Mountain School.

On Sept. 18, 1938, she married Donald C. “Bud” McCahan in Big Sandy. In 1941, they moved to Kalispell. In later years Bert worked at Spence’s City Market and then at Buttrey Foods for 22 years. She retired from Buttrey’s in 1978 and has since enjoyed outings with family and friends, many hours of knitting and crocheting, and her word-find puzzles.

She was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church for over 60 years, where she taught Sunday School and helped out with Luther League activities.

Bert was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bud; a brother; and a sister.  

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Cheryl and Jack Keith, and Karen and Ron Nichol, all of Kalispell. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and their spouses, Cathy and Jay Boisseranc of Snohomish, Wash., Caryn and Tim Walters of Boise, Idaho, Heidi and Steve Maas of Lakeside, John and Kim Keith of Lake Stevens, Wash., Heather and Luke Jordt of Kalispell, Jeff and Daneka Keith of Spokane, and Holly and Caleb Jordt of Kalispell; as well as 21 great-grandchildren. Grandma Bert was so very proud of all of them!  She also is survived by her sister, Helen Moze of Missoula, and a number of loving nieces and nephews.  

Visitation was held on Saturday, Dec. 29 at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 31 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, with Pastor Mark Gravrock officiating.  Burial will precede the service at 10 a.m. at Glacier Memorial Gardens.  

The family suggests memorials be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Immanuel Lutheran Home or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Bert’s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Bert’s Tribute wall, offer condolences and share memories.