Bertha (Flax) Riedel, 91, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019 in WaKeeney with her family by her side.
Bertha was born on Nov. 5, 1928 in Ellis to Ignatz and Elizabeth (Weber) Flax. She was a lifetime resident of Trego County and a 1946 graduate of Ellis High School.
Bertha was married to Edward (Eddie) A. Riedel on April 13, 1948. Together they raised 10 children—five boys and five girls. Edward passed away Oct. 30, 1970. After his death, Bertha continued operating the family farm with the help of her children.
She was a member of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church and Daughters of Isabella. She was also a former member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.
She is survived by nine children: Duane of Arvada, Colo.; Melvin (Donna, Marvin (Arlene) both of Ellis; Darren of Talala, Okla.; Judy (Vic) Manz, Joyce Richardson both of Arvada, Colo.; Wanda (David) Hill of Peyton, Colo.; Bernita Augustine of WaKeeney; Mary Kay (Curtis) Weber of Ellis; and daughter in law, Laura Riedel of Wichita. She is also survived by 22 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward, and son, Troy, her parents, six sisters and one infant brother.
Bertha often commented one of her favorite times in life was when her children were all at home and playing under her feet. She also enjoyed being outdoors on her farm, gardening, raising her chickens and cooking.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday with a Daughters of Isabella Rosary at 6:30 p.m. followed by a parish vigil service at 7 p.m. all at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 703 Monroe St., Ellis, KS 67637.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Ellis. Burial will follow in the St. Mary Cemetery, Ellis.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Mary’s Church, St. Mary’s School or Trego-Memorial Lemke Long Term Care.
Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at [email protected].