Bert was born in Beaver Crossing, NE on July 2, 1926, to Lloyd and Myrtle (Knudson) Harris. After graduating high school, she moved to Lincoln and worked at Elgin watch factory until her marriage to Lewis Lloyd Waddle in York, NE on November 20, 1949.
They raised their family of five children on a farm outside of Eagle. Bert loved to create beauty with whatever was available and shared her gifts with her family and friends. She was active member of Prairie Home and Waverly Methodist Churches, teaching Sunday school and serving on many committees. After learning how to paint, she filled her home and her descendants’ homes with art that they all cherish. Bert was love and kindness personified, and her descendants all agree that she was “the most excellent” mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother ever.
Bert is survived by her husband of 76 years, Lloyd, and their children Duane (Georgia Keim), Gene, Barbara (Len) Ritter, Glen (Kimberly Umland), and Nadine (Dennis) Beethe, 18 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
Bertha was preceded in death by her parents, sister Gladys (Bernard) Drucker, brothers Orville (Joanne) and Boyd (Imogene) Harris, and daughter-in-law Debra.
Memorials may be given to the First United Methodist, Waverly, NE or donor’s choice.