Bertha Ann Schiefelbein, 83, a longtime Sedro-Woolley resident passed away at her home surrounded by her family on May 14, 2020.
She was born on August 30, 1936 in Martin, South Dakota, one of seven children of Albert & Emma (Beard) Merchen. She was raised and attained her education in Rapid City, SD, graduating from Rapid City High School with the class of 1954.
On June 25, 1954 she was united in marriage to Carl Schiefelbein in Rapid City, South Dakota and they resided in several communities over the years as Carl was in the military. In 1965 the couple and their three children settled in Sedro-Woolley.
Bertha worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Northern State Hospital until its closure in 1973. She graduated with her RN degree from SVC in 1974, the first of three generations to graduate from the SVC Nursing Program, daughter, Lynda in 1978 and granddaughter, Kait in 2017. Then she worked as a Registered Nurse at United General Hospital from 1976 until 2004. She, along with Dr. Nicholas Muff, was instrumental in starting and operating the North Puget Oncology Department at UGH.
Bertha was a longtime member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, she was a quilter, making numerous quilts with the Quilting with the Bible quilt group at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. She enjoyed reading and was an AVID Mariners and Seahawk fan.
Bertha is survived by her children and their spouses, Sherry Schiefelbein, and Lynda and Jim Devany all of Mesa, AZ and Carl, Jr. “Skip” and Lisa Schiefelbein of Sedro-Woolley; seven grandchildren, Jason Schiefelbein, Brandy Jutte (Jared), James Devany III (Graciela), Brent Schiefelbein (Caitlin), Kyle Shillinger (Rafena), Larysa Daugs (Andrew) and Kaitlyn Devany; nine great-grandchildren, Hannah, Emma, Cole, Lincoln, Lawson, London, Carter, Ansley, Stella, Seamus, and Sarah; her siblings, Glenna Paige (Ed), Albert Merchen, Patsy Spitzack, Daniel Merchen (Dolly), and Tom Merchen; a sister-in-law, Alzora Beshears (Keith) and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her former husband, Carl Schiefelbein, Sr.; sister, Marilyn Merchen and brother, Archie Merchen.
In memory of Bertha the family suggests memorials be made to North Puget Oncology, 2000 Hospital Drive, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2020 at a time and location yet to be determined.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. Share memories of Bertha and sign the online guest register.
Mom – I still think about you every day and my heart still hurts. I miss you so much. I am so blessed to have you for my mom and look forward to the day I can be with you again. Rest easy in Jesus’s arms. I love you for always.
Bertha was was such a lovely lady with a warm heart. I always enjoyed spending time with her when I was at Jim and Linda’s. She truly loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. God Bless
I may have graduated high school with Skip; but I never knew his mom until a few years after high school. Bertha was instrumental along with Claudia in taking me on as a new nurse in the Oncology department at UGH. Bertha taught me everything I could absorb about Radiation Oncology and how to be an effective nurse. Bertha was so good to the patients. She took no guff from staff; and held everyone accountable. We were very happy when she worked on call even after retirement from her position at UGH. When Bertha has a patient load, you knew those patients were in excellent hands. So sorry for her family’s loss. She loved her family.
Mybheart goes out to family that they will find comfort in their many memories qith you.
I was blessed 39 years ago when Bertha became my Mother-in-law. She had not only been someone to give me advise and understanding, but someone who always showed compassion and love for all of those around her. She ways loved by family and friends and was a wonderful mother to her children and a true inspiration to her many Grandchildren, as my daughter Kaitlyn who followed in her footsteps as a Nurse. Thank you Bertha for being my friend and “mother” for all these years. I will miss you deeply. Love, Jim
Aunt Bertha, you were such an inspiration. Your’s is an enduring legacy.
Rest in peace Gram. We love you and will remember you always.
You were a special and lovely person. May you RIP.
Love you so much gram. You will be extremely missed. Rest In Peace.
I had the pleasure of working with Bertha in the Oncology Clinic. She was a hard working, skilled RN who treated her patients with respect and compassion. Bertha was a strong patient advocate. She always took the time needed to assure their needs were met, and in the darkest hours through their journey with cancer Bertha was their light. She will be missed and never forgotten by the many patients and staff who knew and loved her.
Love you..you will be in my heart forever
Rest In Peace. You will be missed by so many.
LOVE you. Will always remember the times we were together.
Love you mom you will always be with us in our hearts you were a special woman.
I was privileged enough to have worked with Bertha at UGH in the 70’s. She was one of the sweetest, kindest women I’ve known. Her dedication to her patients and her family was a credit to her profession and her family. Our hearts and prayers are with the family.
Rest In God’s arms mom. I will carry you in my heart always!
I’m so sorry for the loss of your mother. May the Lord wrap his loving arms around all of you during this time of sorrow. God bless.