Bertha Ann Schiefelbein, 83, a longtime Sedro-Woolley resident passed away at her home surrounded by her family on May 14, 2020.

She was born on August 30, 1936 in Martin, South Dakota, one of seven children of Albert & Emma (Beard) Merchen.  She was raised and attained her education in Rapid City, SD, graduating from Rapid City High School with the class of 1954.

On June 25, 1954 she was united in marriage to Carl Schiefelbein in Rapid City, South Dakota and they resided in several communities over the years as Carl was in the military.   In 1965 the couple and their three children settled in Sedro-Woolley.

Bertha worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Northern State Hospital until its closure in 1973.  She graduated with her RN degree from SVC in 1974, the first of three generations to graduate from the SVC Nursing Program, daughter, Lynda in 1978 and granddaughter, Kait in 2017.  Then she worked as a Registered Nurse at United General Hospital from 1976 until 2004.  She, along with Dr. Nicholas Muff, was instrumental in starting and operating the North Puget Oncology Department at UGH.

Bertha was a longtime member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, she was a quilter, making numerous quilts with the Quilting with the Bible quilt group at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. She enjoyed reading and was an AVID Mariners and Seahawk fan.

Bertha is survived by her children and their spouses, Sherry Schiefelbein, and Lynda and Jim Devany all of Mesa, AZ and Carl, Jr. "Skip" and Lisa Schiefelbein of Sedro-Woolley; seven grandchildren, Jason Schiefelbein, Brandy Jutte (Jared), James Devany III (Graciela), Brent Schiefelbein (Caitlin), Kyle Shillinger (Rafena), Larysa Daugs (Andrew) and Kaitlyn Devany; nine great-grandchildren, Hannah, Emma, Cole, Lincoln, Lawson, London, Carter, Ansley, Stella, Seamus, and Sarah; her siblings, Glenna Paige (Ed), Albert Merchen, Patsy Spitzack, Daniel Merchen (Dolly), and Tom Merchen; a sister-in-law, Alzora Beshears (Keith) and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her former husband, Carl Schiefelbein, Sr.; sister, Marilyn Merchen and brother, Archie Merchen.

In memory of Bertha the family suggests memorials be made to North Puget Oncology, 2000 Hospital Drive, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2020 at a time and location yet to be determined.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel , Sedro-Woolley.  Share memories of Bertha and sign the online guest register.