Bertha Wilkerson

Bertha Wilkerson, 92, of Des Moines passed away on Saturday, December 24, 2011, at Taylor House Hospice, due to complications resulting from a fall. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, December 30, 2011, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, followed by burial at Laurel Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, at the funeral home.

Bertha was born to George and Hulda Evans on April 2, 1919, in Evans, Iowa. She graduated from East High School in 1938. She married Robert Wilkerson on May 18, 1940, and celebrated over 50 years of marriage before his death in 1991. The couple lived in Des Moines, where they raised three children.

During WWII, Bertha worked at Rollins Hosiery Mill. Bertha was an active member of Grant Park Christian Church for over 80 years. She also volunteered at Lutheran Hospital, and was active in the East Gate Des Moines Chapter of the Iowa Order of Eastern Star. Bertha was known for her delicious pies, her embroidery, and her homemade noodles and banana bread. She was also a very skilled card player, and played with her family and friends every chance she got. Spending time with her family was her greatest joy, especially her grandchildren. Bertha spent her final years at Valley View Village in Des Moines.

Surviving Bertha are her sister, Mary Kranovich; three children, Robert (Sally) Wilkerson, Jr., Tom (Marlene) Wilkerson and Debbie (Steve) Woodard; her nine grandchildren, James, Joel, Julie, Gary, Sean, Carrie, Jenny, Jeff, and Justin; and seventeen great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her husband, Robert Wilkerson, Sr., and her brother, Howard Evans.

Memorial contributions may be made to Taylor House Hospice, Alzheimer’s Association or to the donor’s choice in loving memory of Bertha.

www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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