Beth Berg, age 87, of White Sulphur Springs

The long goodbye

On Saturday, December 17, Beth Johnson Berg departed her earthly life with family by her side, after a courageous 16-month battle with cancer and treatment complications.

Beth Ilene Johnson was born on September 20, 1929, in Anaconda, Montana. Her parents were Winnie Wyman Johnson and Leslie O. (Jack) Johnson. Jack and Winnie bought property in Mill Creek, near Anaconda, and rebuilt a house which they turned into their family home. The family was joined by Donna and later Rick. The Mill Creek household was often joined by an assortment of nephews and other relatives who either needed a safe place during the Great Depression, or to join the crew at the smelter on the hill.  Mill Creek was a great place to grow up, with neighbors that enjoyed the company of each other, the creek, and the ease of hopping on the trolley and take a trip into Opportunity or Anaconda for dances and other socials.

After graduating from Anaconda High, Beth went to Western Montana Normal College in Dillon where she obtained a teaching degree. She taught elementary school in a number of small Montana one- or two-room schools. Ultimately she accepted a job teaching fourth grade in White Sulphur Springs, in 1952. Beth and her mother Winnie both remembered driving into the Smith River Valley in Mom’s little Ford. It was the last time Beth owned a Ford.

Beth stayed at The Springs Hotel while she was teaching, and was introduced to a young bachelor, Harry J. Berg, the local Chevy dealer, who soon swept her off her feet. After teaching a year, she and Harry were joined in marriage in Anaconda, on June 20, 1953.  Daughter Jo joined the family in June 1954, and by June 1959 the family had expanded to include Jay, Larry, Pattie and Jack.

Beth kept very busy with the children and their activities, and the friends and organizations she worked with over the years, including Hobby Club, the American Lutheran Church, American Legion Auxiliary, Red Hats, Arrowhead Meadows Golf Club, and others. She and a group of friends could often be found having coffee at 2 pm each day at one of White Sulphur’s restaurants. The coffee klatch would solve the world’s problems each and every day.

After the children were raised, Beth and Harry went on several vacations and cruises, often with Harry’s cousin Jim Berg, and Jim’s wife, Ruth. Grandchildren also became a focus, as Kalene, Eric, Anna, Josie, Alissa and Jacob were added to the family. Beth and Harry didn’t let life slow them down much, and continued to enjoy family and friends, and traveling when they could, until Harry passed away in March 2006.  Beth missed the company of Harry, but kept her life full, visiting friends, and traveling with Sister Donna (McDowell-Hanna), and “Big Baby Brother” Rick Johnson.  The siblings had a close relationship and greatly enjoyed each other’s company.

When maintaining the family home became more of a challenge, Beth moved to Helena, joining the Touchmark community. She made many friends and enjoyed participating in activities at Touchmark. In August 2015, she was diagnosed with cancer. She handled the challenges which followed with grace and courage, and her family is grateful that even in failing health, Beth was able to attend granddaughter Kalene’s wedding in August, along with other family gatherings. The staff at Mountainview Long Term Care in White Sulphur provided compassionate and competent care, and helped Beth’s family ensure that she could participate in important life events.

Beth was preceded in death by her husband, Harry, parents Jack and Winnie, sister Donna McDowell Hanna and nephew Les Johnson. Harry’s parents, Josie and Helmar Berg, and his sisters, Jean Ellison and Dorothy Fallis, also preceded Beth. She is survived by her brother, Rick Johnson, children Jo (Mark Smith), Jay (Judy), Larry (Carol), Pattie, and Jack Berg as well as grandchildren Kalene Pool (Mike Dunlap), Eric, Anna, Josie and Alissa Berg, Jacob Berg, and great-grandson Augustus Baum. Beth is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and a large extended family.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, December 22 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 103 East Garfield in White Sulphur Springs. Beth will be remembered at services at the Yoked Parish/American Lutheran Church, 411 East Jefferson in White Sulphur Springs, at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 23. Graveside services and a reception at the Church will follow.  Memorials in Beth’s name are suggested to the American Lutheran Church, PO Box 732, White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645 or to the Mountainview Medical Center, PO Box Q, White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645.

Service Schedule

Viewing

3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Thursday December 22, 2016

Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

103 E. Grafield

White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645

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Funeral Service

1:00 p.m.

Friday December 23, 2016

Yoked Parish/American Lutheran Church

411 E Jefferson

White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645

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Burial

After the service

Friday December 23, 2016

Mayn Cemetery

White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645

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Reception

After the burial

Friday December 23, 2016

Yoked Parish/American Lutheran Church

411 E Jefferson

White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645

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