Bertine E. Nicholls

Bertine Esther Nicholls, age 92, passed away Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at Mercy West Lakes Medical Center in West Des Moines.

Bertine was born February 2, 1931, in Des Moines, Iowa to Ernest and Esther (Keeling) Gooding. She was a lifelong resident of the Des Moines area. She graduated from East High School and worked for over 40 years at Northwestern Bell Telephone Company, retiring in 1993. She was a member of Community Church of Christ in Des Moines and was a lover of all animals, especially dogs and cats.

Bertine was a loving mother and devoted her life to her only child, Debra. She loved spending time with Debra and the “Sunday Girls”, and made many memories traveling with her dear friend, Mary. Bertine was a Barnstormers fan, enjoyed making porcelain dolls, and playing cards with the church girls on Sunday.

She is survived by her daughter, Debra Blair (Bill Worthington); sister, Belva Freel; grandchildren, Brian Worthington (Donna), Chad Worthington (Mandy), Dustin Worthington (Deb); and nine great-grandchildren.

Bertine was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Esther Gooding; siblings, Edgar, Gordon, Jean, Vernon, and infant siblings; her best friend, Mary Hunter; her beloved poodle, Little Joe; and her beloved cats, Dusty and Rusty.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, IA 50309. Funeral service will begin at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 10, 2023, at Community Church of Christ, 4018 NE 45th Drive, Des Moines, IA 50317, and will be followed by burial at Avon Cemetery, 3995 Hart Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50320. There will be a luncheon after the burial at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, IA 50309.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Community Church of Christ or the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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