Bertha Taylor

Bertha Taylor was born on July 5, 1919 in Pettibone, North Dakota. She was married to Fred Burkhardt on November 19, 1936. Fred passed away on February 25, 1990. Mom married Owen Taylor on March 27, 1995. Owen died on December 1, 2011 and Bertha left this life on Easter Sunday afternoon, April 5, 2015. Bertha’s parents John Moser and Anna (Loewenberger) Moser left the Odessa Russia area in 1910 like many other German - Russians and they settled in North Dakota on homesteads. Around 1940 the families left the Dakotas to find new employment. Many arrived in our area to work in agricultural jobs. Bertha and Fred moved to Toppenish and worked in hops, sugar beets, California Packing, and other jobs. Mom worked at the Mt. Adams Nursing Home for many years also. Bertha and Fred raised 7 children in the Toppenish home at 317 N. G St. Bertha took an active part in the lives of her children. Later in life, Bertha was well known for her ability to make dolls, including Raggedy Anns and Andys, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and Cabbage Patch dolls. Following her marriage to Owen, mom was introduced to woodworking and soon mastered the use of a scroll saw. She also caught quite a few fish. Bertha is survived by her sisters, Christina and Marylou, and her 7 children: Mary Jane, Mildred, Ronald (Claudia), Anna (Larry), Fred (Carolyn), Robert, and Carol (Steven). She is also survived by her 4 step children: Leonard (Claireen), Dale (Deena), Joseph (Karen) and Marion (Bill), 34 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren. Bertha is preceded in death by her parents, brothers and sisters, Gust, Lydia, John, Alfred, Bill, Carolina, Reinhold, Martha, Sam, Emma, Anna, and Leona. Her husbands Fred and Owen, step child, David Taylor, and grandchildren, Shannon Burkhardt, and Selig Burkhardt also pre-deceased her. A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 13th at 11:00 AM at Valley Hills Funeral Home. A luncheon will be held at the Yakima Area Arboretum, following the memorial service. Private family burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery in Toppenish. Memorial contributions are suggested to HeartLinks Hospice and Palliative Care, or to the charity of your choice. Valley Hills Funeral Home is caring for the family. Online condolences may be left at www.valleyhillsfh.com. Mom, once again open your eyes and see, see the Glory of God. We will always love and remember you. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Bertha Taylor, please visit our flower store.