Bertha F. Klooz was born September 22, 1911, at Farnam, Nebraska, to Fred and Flora (Showers) Klooz. She departed this life January 26, 2001, at Weisbrod Memorial Hospital in Eads.

Bertha’s early childhood years were spent at her parents' farm in the Farnam area. In 1919, she moved with her parents to a farm three miles north Burlington. Bertha graduated from Burlington High School in 1930.

Bertha and Clifford Hines were married July 3, 1931, at the Christian church parsonage in Burlington. In 1959, they moved to the Kit Carson area.

To this union were born two daughters and two sons: Marval Lee (Buck) Stockton of Marysville, California, Frances "Frenchie" Alldredge of Ramah, Arlan "Chip" (Judy) Hines of Kit Carson, and Vernon "Corky" (Roberta "Birdie") Hines of Canon City.

At times, Bertha worked out of her home. Most of her time was spent helping Cliff on the farm with the raising of Hereford cattle, cooking great meals and desserts, cleaning and taking care of her family. She was the housemother of the Future Homemakers of America when her two daughters were members. For several years, she was the Cooking Leader of the Green Valley 4-H Club. She was also a member of the Green Valley Demonstration Club for several years before moving to Kit Carson in 1959.

She joined the United Methodist Church of Kit Carson under Pastor Karnes on May 18, 1968.

In later years, Bertha put a lot of miles on her car driving friends to appointments in other towns and traveling to visit with friends she had known for several years, and the afternoon coffee breaks with her friends.

Bertha was a great sports fan and especially liked rodeos and the Denver Broncos. Playing cards was a favorite past time whether at card parties, with her friends or maybe best of all with her grandchildren.

Most of all, Bertha enjoyed being with her family and grandchildren.

Bertha is survived by her children; brother, Lawrence Klooz of Aurora; 12 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford; parents; five brothers; four sisters; one grandson, Brandon Ty Hines and one great great grandson, Wesley Roan.

Funeral services for Bertha were held at the Kit Carson Methodist Church January 29, 2001. Reverend Michael Ingersol prayed and rejoiced with family and friends gathered to celebrate her the life. Several members of Bertha's family, as well as Reverend Ingersol, shared past remembrances. Monty Peterson added to the services by singing "Because He Lives" and "One Day At A Time." Pianist Marilyn Bullock accompanied him. Casket bearers were her granddaughters, LeAnn Landraw, Leslie Allen, Mindy Hall, Diana Jeans, Debbie Burgess, Tanya Lane, Beverly Burgess and Dru Trusdale. Honorary casket bearers were her grandsons, Joe B. Stockton, Jr., Marty Stockton, Dusty Hines and Rusty Hines.

Interment followed at the Kit Carson Cemetery.

The Hines family gathered at the Kit Carson community building for lunch and fellowship prior to the services. Those attending the services were invited back to the community building afterward for coffee and conversation.

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Peacock-Wood Funeral Home.

Kiowa County Press, Eads CO