Bertha Marie Light

Bertha Marie Peninger Light, age 83, passed away Saturday, May 14, 2011 at the Howard Twilight Manor in Howard, Kansas. She was born on April 2, 1928 on a farm northwest of Burden, Kansas to Ray Everett and Theo Gladys (Moore) Peninger. She grew up a few miles northeast of Burden. She attended Mt. Vernon Rural School and Burden High School. Bertha married Joseph Francis Light on December 11, 1944 in Winfield, Kansas and to this union was born three children; Barbara Jo, Marlyn Louise and Larry Wayne and all were reared in Howard, Kansas. Bertha and Joe lived in Burden until 1950, when they moved to Howard, Kansas. With only a 12 year period they both worked in Wichita, returning to Howard after retirement. In 2004 they moved to Independence, Kansas. Bertha loved her family. She was a homemaker first and worked for the Post Office for nearly 30 years. She joined the Methodist Church at an early age. Bertha was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Eastern Star and 4-H helping with organizations as she could. She was a friend to all. Bertha painted and made quilts for her babies, grand babies and great grand babies. She quilted many quilts her mother had pieced for all her siblings families too. Leaving to mourn are daughters: Barbara Jo and Jim C. Smith of Eureka, Kansas and their children Brandi and Kandi; Marlyn and Tom Long of Independence, Kansas and their children Ronda, Sherry, Denece, Jason, Josh and Nicki; her son Larry and Crystal Light of El Dorado, Kansas and their children Terry and Patrick; sister Nina Kullhem of Palisade, Minnesota; brother John Peninger of Derby, Kansas; 23 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews and cousins. Bertha was preceded by her husband Joe, her father Ray Peninger, her mother Theo Allen granddaughter baby Smith, two great grandchildren and sister Lela Bannon Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Friday, May 20, 2011 at the Howard United Methodist Church with Rev. Charles Cryderman officiating. Visitation will be held Thursday from 5 to 7 PM at the funeral home. Interment will be at Grace Lawn Cemetery. Family suggests contributions to the Howard United Methodist Church and may be left with the funeral home. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.countrysidefh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Countryside - Zimmerman Funeral Home in Howard, Kansas.

Bertha Marie Light

April 2, 1928 - May 14, 2011