Bertha Garcia Werkheiser, 89, of Bridge City, Texas, passed away on October 1, 2024, in Abilene, Texas.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 1:00 p.m., Saturday, October 12, 2024, at St. Henry Catholic Church in Bridge City. Officiating will be Father Ernie Carpio. Burial will follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Orange.
Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a Vigil to be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 11, 2024, at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City.
Born in Louise, Texas, on October 2, 1934, she was the daughter of Nemencio Garcia and Victoria Vann Garcia. Bertha lived a life rich in purpose, love, and community service. As a well-known cashier at Kroger, Bertha brought a smile and a welcoming presence to those who frequented the store. Her commitment to service extended beyond her job; she was deeply involved in her local community. Bertha was an active member of St. Henry Catholic Church and the St. Henry Altar Society, reflecting her strong faith and dedication. Beyond her professional life, Bertha was a woman of many talents and interests. She was an avid gardener, taking great joy in her beautifully maintained flower beds and greenhouse. Her passion for cultivating nature was matched by her newfound love for dogs later in life, a testament to her nurturing spirit. In her quiet moments, she found peace and contentment sitting in nature, appreciating the beauty around her. Creatively, Bertha expressed herself through embroidery and crochet, crafting pieces that were often gifted to family and friends. She graduated from Stark High School, where she was an enthusiastic member of the Bengal Guards and contributed to her school's basketball team. Bertha took immense pride in her heritage and was dedicated to instilling this pride in her children and grandchildren. Throughout her life, Bertha was profoundly involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren, offering support, guidance, and love. She volunteered at local schools, reinforcing her commitment to education and the well-being of future generations.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Sterling E. Werkheiser; her parents, Nemencio and Victoria Garcia; her sister, Annie M. Garcia; her brothers, Arthur Garcia and Nemencio Garcia, Jr.; and her grandchildren, Todd Brown and Noah Werkheiser.
She is survived by her children, Victoria A. Brown and husband, Aval, Diana L. McDonald and husband, Gary, John P. Werkheiser and wife, Lisa, Tammy S. Oldani and husband, Doug, and Mark A. Werkheiser and wife, Crystal; her grandchildren, Justin Brown and wife, Jennifer, Phillip Werkheiser and wife, Amber, Elizabeth Chesley and husband, Chad, Michael Wekheiser, Holly Werkheiser, Zara Holmes and husband, Josh, Kara Lee and husband, Zach, Emily Wekheiser, John Oldani, Abbey Oldani, Nathan Jeter and wife, Katelyn, and Candace Pagan and husband, Rich; her great-grandchildren, Caleb Brown, Caden Jeter, Collin Jeter, Raelynn Jeter, Olivia Chesley, Eli Werkheiser, Andrew Werkheiser, Mason Holmes, Andrew Holmes, Cooper Holmes, and Kimberly Werkheiser; and numerous other loving family members and friends.
Serving as pallbearers will be Justin Brown, John Oldani, Nathan Jeter, Michael Paul Werkheiser, Phillip Werkheiser, and Rich Pagan. Honorary pallbearers are Caleb Brown, Caden Jeter, Collin Jeter, Andrew Werkheiser, Andrew Holmes, Raelynn Jeter, Olivia Chesley, Eli Werkheiser, Mason Holmes, Cooper Holmes, and Kimberly Werkheiser.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Minerva Vidaurri and to Carl Mock, Dshay Henson, Rosa Almanza, Essie Shackelford, Missie Swartzfager, Karen Wolsch, Melonice Malone, Homeplace Manor Healthcare Center and staff who became like family, and Hendrick Hospice Center and staff who took great care of Bertha.