Bertha Berryessa, who gave of her time and talents to the Surprise Valley community in which she lived for many years, died on February 4, 1998 in Cedarville, Calif.

She was born to Swiss immigrant parents Martha and Ben Inderbitzen in Oakland, Calif on March 29, 1912. Bertha was reared on her parents' dairy ranch and completed her juniot high school years in San Jose. As a young girl, she was involved in gymnastics, swimming and her love of al animals.

She and Edward Walton Berryessa were married on December 5, 1934 in Reno, Nev. and shared almost 33 years of marriage together. After they were wed, Bertha had a very busy life operating the dairy her parents owned in San Jose, and taking care of her parents who were in ill health. She did so until 1942. In 1945, she and Ed purchased the Jim Heryford Ranch in Surprise Valley where was was a ranch partner and homemaker.

After the death of her husband on October 27, 1967, ahe devoted her life to her family, community and friends. Always a physically fit and active person, she taught swimming to the youth of Surprise Valley in the 1960s and acted as a chaperone for the Modoc District Fair Queen.

"She was active in all worthwhile causes and was awarded the coveted Blue Ribbon Award by the Western Fair Association in the 1960's" note family members.

Mrs. Berryessa later relocated to San Jose and remained there until she returned to Surprise Valley in 1995 to live with her son and daughter-in-law. She was a member of the San Jose Horseman's Club and the Santa Clara County Cattle Women's Association and held the presidency in both groups.

California history was her greatest interest. She was a member of the Santa Clara Historical Society and the Santa Clara Pioneers. She was a character and life-long member and Past President of the Aelpler Gruppe of Newark, Calif., a group for those of Swiss ancestry. Mrs. Berryessa was a member of the St. James Altar Society of Cedarville and the St. Victor's Senior Group of San Jose.

She enjoyed traveling and had visited Switzerland three times, as well as Australia, new Zealand, Figi, Alaska, Hawaii and points of interest in the United States. Her husband preceded her in death on October 27, 1967. She was also predeceased by her brother Benny and her parents.

Mrs. Berryessa is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Ed and Sharon Berryessa, grandson and wife Alan and Nadene Berryessa of Cedarville; granddaughter and husband Renelle and Robin Bengle of Mt. View, Calif; granddaughter and husband LeeAnn and David Widener of San Diego; seven great-grandchildren, Adam Evans, Allie and Leah Berryessa, Taylor and Collin Bengle and Dane and Dylan Widener and numerous cousins and loving friends.

Funeral services were conducted by Dr. Ben Zandstra on February 7 at 1:00 p.m. at the Surprise Valley Community Church, Cedarville. Interment was at the Eagleville Cemetery, followed by a time of fellowship for all who gathered at the Eagleville Community Hall.

Contributions in memory of Mrs. Berryessa may be directed to the Surprise Valley Hospital or to the charity of choice.

Modoc County Record - February 12, 1998