Obituary of Bertha Mae Allen

Bertha Mae (Reed) Allen Bertha Allen, 89, died peacefully February 28, 2011, with family by her side. Bertha was born in a tent during the Depression on October 7, 1921, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She always thought she was a Gypsy because her mama and papa traveled around in an old Model T Ford, looking for work. As a young woman of 18, after a wink from a handsome soldier, Bertha fell in love with Ray Allen, and they married on January 11, 1940. They enjoyed 66 years of marriage. Ray preceded her in death in 2007. Throughout her life, Bertha was a progressive and innovative thinker, an Equal Rights activist, a strong community and spiritual leader, and a compassionate matriarch for her family. Bertha had many accomplishments during her lifetime. She helped to revise a bill in the State Legislature that expanded the scope of duties for the Licensed Practical Nursing Association of Washington. She also lobbied for and helped pass another bill that established vermiculture as an agriculture commodity, which created a global trade during the tenure of Governor Dixie Lee Ray. Bertha was a progressive promoter of vermiculture during the mid- to late 1970s from the Allen property in Tumwater, the Red Barn Worm Farm. She became the President of the Washington State Worm Growers Association. More recently, Bertha was instrumental, with the help of the Washington State Ombudsman and their lobbyist, in passing a bill providing sanctuary for State-supported seniors/handicapped. She attended the bill signing by Governor Christen Gregiore. Bertha is survived by her son Robert Allen; daughter, Judy Allen; daughter in-law, Rose Mary (Schmidt)-(Allen)-Montgomery and husband George; five grandchildren, William and wife Pam, Michael, Adam and wife Maureen, Christopher Strand and companion Adeena Chamberland, and Rebecca Bruder; and two great-grandchildren, William’s daughter, Nicole Sutton, and Christopher’s son Vincent Ray Strand. Besides her own family, Bertha was very close to her brother Bob’s children, Trebon Reed (deceased), Connie Garcia (deceased), Therese Blevins, Linda Ray Furman, Bobby Joe Reed (deceased), and Jacky Ray Reed. The family wants to thank Dr. Kirk Harris and staff for their dedicated care and friendship to Bertha, Woodland Assisted Living, staff at St. Peter Hospital and Mother Joseph’s Skilled Nursing Center, and all of the caring folks at Funeral Alternatives of Washington. And thanks to all of her many extended family of friends, especially the Arizona posse. To leave memories of Bertha or condolences for the family, please click on "View Guestbook" below.