Bertha Waters

Bertha C. Waters, 88, lifelong resident of the Atlantic and Massena areas, passed away Saturday, November 3, 2007, at Risen Son Christian Village in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Bertha Catherine Waters was born April 14, 1919, on the family farm in Victoria Township, south of Massena, Iowa. She was the daughter of Frank Patrick and Rachel Agnes (Cruise) Clinton.

Bertha graduated from the Massena High School in 1937.

On February 12, 1940, Bertha married Noel Patrick Waters in Corning, Iowa. He preceded her in death on June 26, 1985.

Bertha was a member of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Atlantic and St. Patrick's Church in Massena, as well as a member of the Catholic Daughters of America. She also belonged to The Neighborhood Club and The Friendly Club, both in her area.

Bertha's hobbies included embroidery, quilting and playing cards. In her younger years, she loved to dance. But nothing was more important to her than family, they were number one.

Bertha is survived by 4 sons, James (Barb) Waters of Cumberland, IA, Frank (Sheryl) of Cumberland, IA, Rick (Terri) of Atlantic, IA and Ben (Tammy) of Marne, IA; 7 daughters, Eleanor Hopkins of Underwood, IA, Marjorie Akers of Des Moines, IA, Sister Rita Waters, RSM of Washington D.C., Theresa (Sam) Voss of Chariton, IA, Alice (Mike) Greise of Omaha, NE, Patty (Leroy) Grieshaber of Cumberland, IA and Linda (Lance) Coles of Ankeny, IA; 25 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; 1 sister, Gladys Brentnall of Chariton, IA; and 1 sister-in-law, Marie McKay of Corning, IA.

Preceding Bertha in death were her parents; her husband; 2 brothers, Joe and Earl Clinton; 3 sisters, Monica Timberman, Delores Hopkins and Ruth Hogan; and 2 sons-in-law, Kenneth Young and Bob Hopkins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 7, 2007, at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Atlantic, Iowa.

A Rosary will be held at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 6, with a Scriptural Prayer Service at 6:45, followed by visitation with the family until 8:00 p.m., at Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic.

Burial will be in the Atlantic Catholic Cemetery. Family will also greet friends, after the committal service on Wednesday, at a luncheon at the Catholic Parish Center.

Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic, Iowa, is in charge of the arrangements.