Bertha Luella Hess
January 8, 1925 – March 26, 2024

Bertha Luella Clegg Hess, age 99, passed away peacefully on March 26th, 2024 as a result of too many birthdays. She was born in the small town of Downey, Idaho on January 8th, 1925. She was the fifth and last child of Byrd and Eva Nancy Criddle Clegg.

Bertha always had a love of music. Starting in 5th grade, she learned to play the clarinet. She played in the band all through high school. The band was able to go to many games and contests in which they received a #1 rating at these events. She also enjoyed playing the harmonica. Her kids and grandkids loved to hear her play.

In November 1941 she met the love of her life Melvin J. Hess at a reception in Woodland. He asked her for a dance and then “sluffed’ her. She didn’t see him again until New Year’s Eve and then he danced with her. She said when they danced, it felt like her feet never touched the floor. She knew right then that God had a hand in getting them together. They dated a lot during that spring and summer. While Bertha was in a testimony meeting at church on December 7th, 1941, she learned about the devastating bombing of Pearl Harbor. The next day, President Roosevelt declared war. Melvin was drafted into the war in the fall of 1942.

Bertha graduated from Downey High School in May, 1943. She enjoyed working at JC Penney and also sold tickets for the theater and worked in the confectionary at night. She tried to keep busy as that helped to make the time pass faster. Finally, on December 19th, 1945 Melvin made his way home from serving 3 years in the war. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on January 8th, 1946 on her 21st birthday. They made their home in Malad, Idaho and were blessed with four wonderful children Cheryle, Wendy, Ronda, and Brad.

Bertha was a wonderful homemaker and enjoyed cooking and taking care of her family. Many Sundays were spent with family visiting and enjoying a yummy treat at Grandma’s house. She made the best rhubarb dumpling and french toast that all the grandkids rave about. They all knew they could always find a stash of goodies in her home, especially peanut M&M’s.

Bertha was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and always had a strong testimony of its truthfulness. In 1984-1985, she and Melvin had the opportunity to serve a mission in the Ohio, Cleveland mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Bertha and Melvin also loved traveling with friends and family. Later in life, they bought a small home in Washington, Utah and enjoyed spending the winters down there and seeing the sights in the area. The family loved to take fun trips down to see Grandma and Grandpa and enjoy the warmth and beautiful views of the St. George area.

Bertha enjoyed living down in Maple Springs Assisted Living in Brigham, Utah from 2017 – 2020. She loved being with people and enjoyed all of the activities. After Covid hit, she was tired of being locked up and decided to move back to Malad with her daughter Ronda for about 3 years. There were so many wonderful family get togethers and memories made during this time. In April of 2023, she had a fall which resulted in a total hip replacement at the age of 98. It was quite the recovery, but she was such a trooper and had done so well. She eventually made it back down to Maple Springs in July of 2023 to enjoy the last season of her life.

Bertha is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Melvin J. Hess along with her parents, siblings and most everyone she grew up with. She lived a long wonderful life and will have the greatest reunion in Heaven.

She is survived by her four children, daughters- Cheryle (Wayne) Shepherd of Washington, Utah, Wendy (Ed) Jones of Malad, Idaho, Ronda (Jared) Crowther of Malad, Idaho and son – Brad (Wendy) Hess of Malad, Idaho. She also leaves behind 15 grandchildren, 51 great grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren.

A viewing will be held Monday evening, April 1st from 6:00-8:00 at the Malad Stake Building. 1250 N 1100 West.

A viewing will also be held Tuesday, April 2nd from 10:30-11:30 am with Funeral services at 12:00. Internment will follow at the Malad City Cemetery.