Bertha Floye (Newberry) Gronberg, 92, passed away June 3, 2014, from complications with Alzheimer’s disease at the Bee Hive in McCleary, WA, where she was treated with loving care and dignity. She was born July 9, 1921 in Wenatchee, WA to Hugh and America Newberry. Mom grew up in Cashmere, WA where she was very active with her four siblings keeping them in order, her being the leader of the pack. Their endeavors, living in the pear orchard, were some of her fondest childhood memories. In 1939 she graduated from Cashmere High School, after which she worked hard to pursue her goal in becoming an educator. This goal soon became a reality when she enrolled at Eastern Washington University and became the first person in her family to graduate college. Upon graduating, she entered into the world of teaching, having taught mostly in the Montesano area. One evening she joined her girlfriends at a community center dance where she danced with her soon-to-be love of her life, the late Eino Anselm Gronberg, for whom she was very happily married to for 52 years. During the 52 years of marriage they had two sons Robert (Barbara) Gronberg, William Gronberg and two daughters Shari (Steve) Sackrider and the late Becky Ehly (Louie). Her interests included traveling (all continents except Antarctica) in which she enjoyed sharing her experiences with her children and grandchildren encouraging them to also experience all the world has to offer. When taking a moment to herself you would find her decorating her home, planting flowers, playing the piano by ear, sewing, painting, crocheting, knitting, baking, cooking and reading a good book (an all around special lady). She, without fail, would always open her doors to everyone in her community, but her favorite was opening her heart to her family. Youth events with children (4), grandchildren (8) and great-grandchildren (17) and two on the way, was the way she would want to spend her evenings. Whether it be watching at a pouring down rain baseball game or 4-H or scouting event, listening to a piano recital, or sitting on the hard wood seats in a gym, she would stay until the very end and give you the biggest hug. Win or lose, she made you know you did your best. She was a great motivational speaker, sharing her expeditions of the world with others at the senior center, teaching aerobics to seniors, taking kids on 4-H trips to Europe, volunteering at the Methodist Church, singing in the choir, giving speeches and speaking up for loggers, along with writing articles to support the local loggers society, receiving the Margaret Downey Award, and teaching a generation of students in the public schools. Spreading the importance of education was a goal of hers. She was always very inspirational to whomever she was around. She always had open arms to any person that was in need of assistance. Those lucky enough to be touched with her presence at one time or another were very fortunate to have met such a fancy lady. She was happiest in the company of family and we will miss her greatly!
↧