Salina, Utah - Bernice Anderson Wood, age 96, of Salina, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, returned home to her Heavenly Father and loved ones on September 23, 2014 in Centerfield, Utah. She was born January 30, 1918 on the family farm, north of Axtell, or then known as Hardscrabble, Utah, the second daughter and fifth child of eleven children born to Melvin Wallace and Christina Ludell Tollstrup Anderson. Bernice grew up on the farm and was given the responsibility of herding cattle, milking cows, feeding lambs on the bottle and thinning and topping sugar beets.

She attended Centerfield Elementary and Gunnison valley High School.

She married the love of her life, Francillo Earl (Derb) Wood, August 5, 1939 in Gunnison, Utah. Their marriage was solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple, February 14, 1958. Derb preceded her in death on January 1, 2002.

Bernice was an active member of the LDS Church, where she fulfilled many callings in Primary, Young Women and Relief Society. She enjoyed working in her flower gardens, canning fruits and vegetables, camping, fishing, traveling, cheering on the Utah Jazz, watching The Lawrence Welk Show, and friendships she had belonging to a woman's card club.

Bernice was dedicated to her family which she loved and treasured and in return, they loved and treasured her. She enjoyed family gatherings with both the Anderson and Wood Families and developed loving bonds with everyone.

She witnessed more changes in her 96 years than any other generation in history.

In later years, following the death of her husband, Derb, Bernice was fortunate enough to become reacquainted with her teenage friend Art, whom she hadn't seen for 70 years. Being the same age, they were able to visit frequently, keeping each other company, reminiscing about times gone by.

Bernice is survived by her children: Ronald E. and Judy Wood of Aurora; Jack W. Wood, Kathy and Bryan Rasmussen, all of Salina; 3 grandsons: Brandt Wood, Brandon and Karson Rasmussen; 11 great-grandchildren; sisters: Marva Daniels of Eloy, Arizona; Vivian and Don Larsen of Sterling; Dellene and Blaine Allred of Erda.

She was preceded in death by her husband; grandsons: Justin Ronald Wood and Chanley (Cindy) Christensen; brothers and sisters: Austin M. and Gertrude Anderson; Fern and Edwin L. Malmgren; Neil C. and Sylvia Anderson; Dick and Twilla Anderson; Jay B. and Leah Anderson; Fay Anderson and Don W. Anderson.

The family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to Dr. Richard Nay (nephew) and staff at the Gunnison Valley Hospital; the Community Living Center in Centerfield and Gunnison Valley Home Care and Hospice; and Vicky Gurney and At Home Care of Salina, for the compassionate care given to our dear Mother.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 27, 2014 at 12 Noon in the Salina LDS Stake Center, 98 West 400 North, where friends may call for viewing Saturday morning from 10:00 to 11:30 prior to the services.

Burial will be in the Salina Eastside Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.