Bertha Rhodes

Bertha Lawing Rhodes was born on February 1, 1929, to Arthur and Gladys Lawing. Bertha was born and raised in Hagerman, New Mexico, where her parents owned a general store. She loved to take the train to Roswell to go shopping as a teenager. She later went on to graduate from Hagerman High School. In 1945, she married the love of her life MJ (John) Rhodes after he came home from WWII. They began their life together and started a Family Farm. John and Bertha were married 68 years before he passed in 2013. They had one daughter, Paula Dale Rhodes Dornblaser, one granddaughter, and six great granddaughters. Bertha loved her little girls.

Bertha loved to bake and attend the First Presbyterian Church in Hagerman. For many years, she sold Avon in the Pecos Valley. Bertha was a member of Eastern Star and loved helping with the youth program. Her and John, also, greatly enjoyed square dancing along with Ruth and Jack Miller.

Bertha loved her daughter, Paula and Son-in-law Ronald R. Dornblaser, with all her heart. She was excited to be a grandma in 1981, to her granddaughter, Amy Dornblaser, and help her become the strong women she is today. Later came the blessing and love of two Bonus granddaughters that filled her heart with joy. Then came another beautiful granddaughter and then nine years later came another baby girl to love. Then two more beautiful bonus granddaughters to love and her Big tall Texas man. As she referred to Amy’s husband, Jacob Landon Walker. Her love grew as her family grew.

Please help us Celebrate her joyful life in Christ at 11:00 AM, Friday, March 25, 2022, at the First Presbyterian Church in Hagerman, NM. A graveside memorial conducted by Christy Breen and the Ladies of Eastern Star will follow at Hagerman Cemetery. Beverly Coots, commission pastor, will be officiating.