Bertha N. Apodaca

Bertha Apodaca, age 79, was called to His Kingdom of Heaven on August 30, 2011. Bertha was born November 10, 1931, in Redwing, Colorado to John and Rose Martinez. They moved from Redwing to Fort Collins in 1944. She attended Lincoln Junior High and graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1951. Bertha met Ralph Apodaca at a local dance and they were married on August 18, 1951. They spent their entire lives living and working in Fort Collins; Bertha was a homemaker and raised eight children. She was an active member of Holy Family Catholic Church and also attended St. Joseph's Catholic Church and Blessed John XXIII University Center. Bertha spent many tireless years volunteering for Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of America, Parent Teachers Association, Larimer County Extension club, Voters Registration, school recitals, sporting events and other organizations in various capacities. Bertha also devoted her time to church involvement which included: Marriage Encounter, Cursillo, Sunday School Teacher, Eucharistic Minister, Altar Rosary Society, Knights of Columbus Auxiliary, Theresians and served on many committees. Bertha and her husband gave preparation classes for marriage. In 1991 and after Bertha's children were all gone from the home, she graduated from biblical school. Her interests included her faith, family, gardening, sewing, crafts and reading. She devoted much of her time and energy as a caregiver to family members, including her mother until she passed away at age 94. Her loving ways, quiet demeanor, strong faith, and strength will be missed by all who knew her. Angels...what are they? Do they exist? They most certainly do! They are servants and a blessing from God. They are divine messengers and spiritual guides. Some people believe that their loved ones become angels and this is so very true of our mother, Bertha. Angels also serve an important role in the Christian faith…they are described as "ministering spirits sent forth to minister." Bertha was that angel and ministered in so many ways to everyone she came across. She also collected angels. Her husband, Ralph claimed that he was Bertha's first of many angels. Bertha's love, strength, wisdom and faith never faltered. She was there for all of us. Our mother was stricken with Alzheimer's disease at the age of 71. This disease changed her in so many ways; however, she never forgot prayer and song, and for this, we are forever thankful. Bertha is survived by her children: Ruth Parker Mike of Windsor; Dori Carroll Jim of Fort Collins, Sandy Hopper of Fort Collins, Andrea Manzanares Elmer of Fort Collins, Rosella Barella Toby of Fort Collins, Steve Apodaca Sophie of Thornton, Leona Luna Don of Loveland; and Andy Apodaca Betsy of Windsor. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Bertha is survived by three sisters: Eloida Feltch and Julia Manchego of Fort Collins and Aurora Dick of Spivey, Kansas. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph; her parents, John and Rose; brother, Ben; sisters: Sadie, Mary, Viola, Adeline, and Ceria.
Those who wish may view Mrs. Apodaca Sunday and Monday from 12:00-4:00 p.m. Recitation of the rosary will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church on Monday, September 5, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens Cemetery. Donations may be sent to Pathways Hospice in care or Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 12l W. Olive Street, Fort Collins. CO 80524. Friends may send condolences to the family at bohlenderfuneralchapel.com.