Bertha L. Smalley

Bertha Louise Smalley, age of 103, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2019.  She was the beloved mother of two sons, Robert and Rodney, cherished grandmother of Robert, Kelli, Kristen and Susannah.  Eight great grandchildren, Quinn, Declan, and Liam Smalley, Maggie Middleton, Samantha, Nicholas, Makayla, and Elliott Whiteaker.  

Bert as she liked to be called was a strong and passionate person.  She put her heart and sole into everything she did.  Her personal strength and family devotion was demonstrated when her husband, Robert age 37, died and left her with two sons, ages three and five.  She worked with the help from her brothers and sisters to keep the family together and provided love and guidance for her boys. After her sons graduated college, Bert returned to the family farm in Swanton.

She grew up on a farm and enjoyed gardening and canning. She began driving a model T and continued driving a truck well into her 90's. Bert was a very generous soul; she always had a smile and a cup of coffee for you. Bert also loved sharing whatever she had.

Her Graveside service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 28, 2019 at Toledo Memorial Park - Chapel of Peace mausoleum. Family and friends are invited to meet at the front gates of the cemetery on Monday at 10:45 a.m. Rev. Joan Christoffers officiating.