Bertha E Trendel

Bertha Trendel, 107, Pomona, died Feb. 14th at Advent Health in Ottawa.

On Monday, Feb. 19th, there will be a public viewing from 10:00-10:30AM followed by a grave-side service at 11AM at Woodlawn Cemetery in Pomona. After the service the family will be hosting a lunch at the Pomona Community Center.

She was born in July 1916 to John W. and Mamie Lohoff Gates. She lived in the Michigan Valley area in Osage County most of her life. On October 13, 1938, Bertha was united in marriage to George Edward Trendel and they enjoyed 69 years of marital bliss until his death in 2008. She was a homemaker most of her life, but she also worked at Browning Mercantile in Pomona for many years. After retirement, she and Ed moved to Pomona in 1993 where she lived until her death.

Bertha was an independent woman who remained active her entire life and spent a lot of time outdoors. With her ninja-like reflexes she regularly killed rattlesnakes and copperheads with a garden hoe while others scurried for safety. Her grandchildren have many fond memories of spending time with her fishing, cooking, romping in the woods, playing cards, and admiring her snake handling skills. Later in life she enjoyed playing cards a few times a week with her friends at the community building in Pomona. At home she enjoyed working on jigsaw puzzles and cheering for the University of Kansas Jayhawks during basketball season.

She lived independently for the final 16 years of life. While much of this can be attributed to her spirit and active lifestyle, it would not have been possible without support from her daughter-law Ruth Trendel, Jim Robinson, neighbors, healthcare professionals, her playing card group, and the Franklin County Meals-on-Wheels. She regularly spoke fondly about the love others showed her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George Edward Trendel; brothers, Floyd and Ralph Gates; sisters, Mabel Tomberlin and Lila Fuqua; three sons, Doug Trendel, Raymond Trendel, and Daryl Trendel; and daughter-in-law, Norma Trendel.

Bertha is survived by her daughter-in-law, Ruth Trendel of Pomona; and her seven grandchildren: Bob Trendel of Topeka; Joe Trendel of Topeka; Mike (Kristin) Trendel of Lawrence; Kevin Trendel of Hurst, TX; Luke (Nicole) Trendel of Olathe; Greg (Kristen) Trendel; Melinda Ritter of Topeka. While she will be missed, her spirit will always live in her grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.