Bertha B. (Brenneman) Hochstetler

Bertha Brenneman Hochstetler, 89 passed away peacefully and went home to be with her Lord on Wednesday, November 14, 2018 at Beehive Homes, Hamilton surrounded by her family.  Bertha was born in Tofield, Alberta; she was the daughter of the late Daniel and Mary (Kauffman) Brenneman.  Bertha lived in the Tofield area until the age of 13.  At that time, the Brenneman family moved to the Flathead Valley and lived on a farm near Creston.

Bertha was the loving wife of Owen Hochstetler.  Bertha and Owen were married on May 26, 1950 at Creston, Montana and farmed in the Creston area.  In 1967 the Hochstetler family relocated to a ranch south of Victor where Bertha lived until she moved to Hamilton in 1998. Bertha was married to Owen for 46 years until his passing in 1996.  She was a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  Her lifelong passion was her family and she cherished every opportunity to be a part of family activities.

As a homemaker, Bertha helped her late husband Owen, on their ranch south of Victor.  She was also busy with gardening, canning and preserving food, cooking meals, growing flowers, sewing, housekeeping and entertaining many guests in her home.  Bertha enjoyed quilting and over the years was kept busy with making quilts and comforters for the three generations in her family. 

Bertha’s life could be characterized by the words: family, work, church and travel.  She loved the Lord and was committed to a life of prayer and ministry of the church.  Bertha and Owen served with Gideon’s International.  She continued in that ministry as long as her health allowed.  Bertha loved to travel; visiting her family that lived at a distance, attending family reunions, connecting with friends at numerous locations and visiting various points of interest.

Bertha is survived by her seven children:  Glenna (Gerry) Nissley, Merlin (Telesha) Hochstetler, Marlene (Jim) Combe, Grace (Wilbur) Nisly, Jo (Scott) Landis, Lucille (Marlin) Nisly, Doreen Hochstetler and 16 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.  Bertha is also survived by one sister, Kathryn Lapp, two brothers, Clifford (Shirley) Brenneman and Delbert (Lola) Brenneman, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Owen Hochstetler, and parents Dan and Mary Brenneman.

The family wishes to extend deep appreciation to the Staff at Beehive Homes, to Hospice and to Dr Yvonne Courchesne.  “Thank you for the excellent care you provided our mother. Your compassion and caring spirit was appreciated and evident in the ways you were sensitive to her needs.”

Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend her Celebration of Life service at Canyon View Church, 195 Skalkaho Hwy, Hamilton on Friday, November 23, 2018 at 1:00 pm. Following the service a meal will be served at Daly-Leach.  There will be a viewing and visitation at Daly-Leach Chapel on Wednesday evening, November 21 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm.  Burial will be at the convenience of the family.  Those desiring may send memorial contributions in Bertha’s memory to Gideon’s International, PO Box 876, Hamilton, MT 59840.

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