Bertha Radke

Bertha Radke – nee Ost, passed away June 9, 2022.  Bertha was born to parents Christian and Marie Ost, in April, 1927, in Calceni, Besarabia, Romania.  She came to Canada with her parents and older siblings in September 1927, settling in the Hanna Alberta area where she spent her youth.  In 1946, she married Waldemar (Walter) Radke and moved to the Handhills district where they farmed, and raised their two sons, until moving into Hanna in 1976.   Bertha lived in her own home until 2018, and then in Homestead Lane, in the Drumheller Health Centre until her death.

She was predeceased by:  husband Walter, son Ryan; daughter-in-law Pat; father Christian, mother Maria, sister Emma, brother Christian.

She is survived by son Reg & (Kathy) Radke of Brooks and daughter-in-law Gerry Radke of Drumheller; and six grandchildren – Jayson (Reveka) Radke, Kelly (Chris) Gillings, Danielle Radke (Darin McCollum), Andrea (Jeremy) Linkert, Matt (Stacey) Radke, and Chelsea Radke and 8 great-grandchildren.  She will also be missed by three step grandchildren – Craig, Jill, & Ryan Florence and their families.

Bertha also leaves behind sisters Hilda Diegel, Marion Diegel, Ida Schnell, and brother Oscar Ost and several nieces and nephews.

Bertha was active in community affairs at the Handhills Lake Clubhouse and was a member of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church choir.  She was involved with the Legion Branch #25 Ladies Auxiliary, the Hanna Senior’s Circle, the Senior’s Choir and enjoyed floor curling.

She always had a big garden and loved landscaping and keeping a beautiful yard.  She loved to paint – inside, outside and anything else.  Bertha was a great cook, enjoyed a variety of crafts and loved to host visitors.

Thank you to Dr. Olfert, from the Riverside Clinic, and the staff at the Continuing Care Centre at the Drumheller Health Centre for their care in the last four years of Mom’s life.

A private family internment will occur in the near future.

As per Bertha’s wishes, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to STARS or the charity of choice.

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