Obituary of
Harris, Bertha
Bertha B. Harris was received by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Tuesday, March 3, 2015 after 113 wonderful years.
Bertha Belle Thompson was born on a farm outside of Adams/Friendship, Wisconsin, on January 3, 1902. The youngest of six children born to Orville and Ella (Bullis) Thompson, she grew up working in a hotel her parents owned in Friendship from the time she was six.
She met her future husband when he was brought home to the hotel for a visit by one of her brothers. In 1922 she was joined in marriage to William G. Harris. They raised their family of four in Lansing, Michigan. Bill’s life-long career was at the Pontiac Factory while Bertha was employed by Jacobson’s Department Store. After retiring, they both moved to Mesa, Arizona. Many years later Bertha moved to Dallas to be closer to her daughter and son-in-law.
After receiving prayerful help to heal a diseased leg by a healer, Bertha became interested in the faith practice that helped her. For over 40 years Bertha helped countless people through her work as a Christian Science Practitioner, and her remarkable presence will be forever missed.
Bertha loved playing the piano, listening to music, and discussing her great-grand children. She also had the opportunity to travel to various places around the world including Austria and the Holy Land. Often she would spend summers in Colorado or on the west coast after Bill died.
She was a fascinating story teller of her family’s history. We loved to listen to her tell us about what life was like for her and other family members at the turn of the 20th century. She often remarked about how much change she experienced living throughout all those years.
Bertha is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, William, son William, daughter Betty Lou, son-in-law Phil, grandchildren Cynda (Van Sickle) Albaugh, Mark Van Sickle and great grandchildren, Trevor and Amber Balko. She is survived by her grandsons, Kirk H. Van Sickle (Cathy) of Austin and Ron Balko (Lois) of Moorhead, Minnesota; great-grandchildren, Ana and Ryan Albaugh, Kirk Jr. and Victoria Van Sickle, Brendan (Kristen), Colin, and Evan (Hannah) Balko; her daughter-in-law, Donna Balko (Eldon), and grandchildren Timothy Balko (Leann) and Rebecca Duesenberg (Mark); along with many beloved nieces, nephews and countless treasured friends.
A memorial service will be held March 28th at the Fifth Church of Christ, Scientist, 5655 W. Northwest Hwy, Dallas, Texas 75220 at 12:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Leaves, 1230 W Spring Valley Road, Richardson, Texas 75080.
Please send the family condolences and/or share memories on this website.
Tribute Wall of Harris, Bertha
I had the honor of knowing Bertha for the last 15 years! She meant so much to our family. My grandmother Melba Glass and Bertha were very close and that is how our paths crossed. My parents, Johnny & Jane Glass and the rest of us will miss her tremendously. She was a true inspiration. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Alyssa, Ashlyn, Caleb &Johnny Wahrmund
Thursday October 13, 2022
I had the honor of knowing Bertha for the last 15 years! She meant so much to our family. My grandmother Melba Glass and Bertha were very close and that is how our paths crossed. My parents, Johnny & Jane Glass and the rest of us will miss her tremendously. She was a true inspiration. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I attended a small birthday party for Bertha when she was an amazing 105! Even then she was alert, happy and talkative, She loved a homemade card I gave her with quotes about age by MBE.
Carolyn P.C. Martin
Thursday October 13, 2022
I attended a small birthday party for Bertha when she was an amazing 105! Even then she was alert, happy and talkative, She loved a homemade card I gave her with quotes about age by MBE.
I understand tat she was the 23rd oldest known person in the world. God Bless Her!
Rob Goodfellow
Thursday October 13, 2022
I understand tat she was the 23rd oldest known person in the world. God Bless Her!
We have enjoyed knowing Bertha for more than 40 years.Her positive attitude and sincere concern for others made her special. What a rare treat to hear her stories.We value her friendship and extend to you,the family, ourcondolences as your precious grandmother has gone to be with her Lord and Savior.
Bud and Jo Pearce family
Thursday October 13, 2022
We have enjoyed knowing Bertha for more than 40 years.Her positive attitude and sincere concern for others made her special. What a rare treat to hear her stories.We value her friendship and extend to you,the family, ourcondolences as your precious grandmother has gone to be with her Lord and Savior.