REINERT, Bertha Minna

Bertha Minna Schenk, daughter of John and Lina Schenk, was born at the family home in Brown County, NE on April 20, 1913. She attended country school through the eighth grade and graduated from high school at Johnstown. After attending Wayne State Teachers College, Bertha taught school for twelve years in Brown County rural districts. On September 16, 1945 Bertha was united in marriage to Roy P. Reinert. After their marriage Bertha and Roy lived for 53 years at the Heart Seven Ranch. Their union was blessed with four children, Barbara, Mary, Richard and Ronald. Bertha was a member of the Johnstown United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school and was Superintendent for many years. In addition, she was a charter member of the United Methodist Women; over the years she held several offices in that organization. In the community Bertha was active in Home Band and the Johnstown Alumni Association; she had served as President of both organizations. Bertha also was a leader in 4-H Club for many years. She had a gift of encouraging young people, which was a blessing to many during the years in which she shared her talents. Her love of quilting was a special ministry, the fruits of which she shared with many people and will continue to sleep under her "blankets of love." Genealogy, letter writing, making scrapbooks and photo albums, and bird watching were some of her favorite activities. Bertha was preceded in death by her husband, Roy; her parents, brother Justus, and sisters Emma and Lena. She leaves to mourn her passing, daughters, Barbara Dumas and husband Jerry of Spearfish, S.D.; Mary McCormick and husband, Bob of Norfolk, NE; Richard and wife, Chris, of North Platte, NE; and Ron and wife Stephanie, of Crawfordsville, IN.; a sister, Elizabeth Ross of Bancroft, NE.; nine grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and a host of relatives and friends. Bertha was residing at the Community Pride Care Center in Battle Creek, NE when she left this earth to meet the Lord on August 12, 1999. Funeral services were held on Monday, August 16, 1999 at the United Methodist Church in Ainsworth. Burial was in the Ainsworth Cemetery. Reverend Gerald H. Schwarz officiated the services. Music was provided by Marilyn Williams and Deanna Taylor. Casket bearers were Jerry Jackman, Lonnie Coleman, Arvin Schmidt, Blair Williams, Ray Hayes and Brent Johnson. Honorary Casket bearers were all of Bertha's Other Neighbors and Friends. Memorials were suggested to the Johnstown Methodist Church or to the family in her name. Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth was in charge of arrangements.