Bertha James' Obituary
Bertha A. James
At age 96, Bertha A. James, our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, died peacefully on Sunday, May 19, 2013 with her daughter Loretta and son-in-law Carl at her side.
Bertha was born February 20, 1917 in Cosmopolis, WA and was the last of four daughters born to Mary and Bert Fry and raised in the Grays Harbor area. The “Fry Girls,” as they were all known, are all gone now and we are sure they are having a wonderful reunion together in heaven. Our mother was also predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Harry James. They made their home in Lakewood. Both of them worked for 25 years as part of the Civil Service at McChord Air Force Base until their retirement.
Bertha and Harry enjoyed many pleasurable trips in their travel trailer, including Alaska and several National Parks, until becoming “snowbirds” and spending their fall and winter months in Desert Hot Springs, CA, where they developed numerous close friendships. After Bertha was widowed she continued to make her trips to the desert, but finally gave those up at age 90 when travel became more difficult for her. Instead of swimming in the natural pools down south, she joined the Y and headed to that pool for her morning swims.
Mom left two children—Loretta Clubb (husband Carl), University Place, and Bruce James, currently in London; three grandchildren—Aaron Clubb (wife Holly), Gig Harbor, Casey James, Vancouver, BC, and Arielle James, Montreal; and two great-grandsons—Aidan and Eli Clubb; and an extended family of nieces and nephews. Whenever there was a family gathering, Bertha proudly wore the bright red sweatshirt that had her title across the front “Mom, Grandma, and G.G.” She never wanted to be left out when it came to any family activities—whether it was going to Girl Scout Camp, camping with friends, or getting together for Sunday dinners.
Bertha was a member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, St. Mary’s Altar Guild, a Life Member of Lewis Chapter, Order of Eastern Star, and a member of FOSA (Friends of St. Albans Girl Scout Camp).
A memorial service will be held at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 10630 Gravelly Lake Drive SW, Lakewood, WA, on Friday, May 24, 2013 at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, anyone desiring to make a donation in Bertha’s memory should direct them to the St. Mary’s Altar Guild at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church (address above) or to the Girl Scouts of Western Washington, attention FOSA, at 601 Valley Street, Seattle, WA 98109.
Arrangements pending by Mountain View Funeral Home.
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