In Memory
LAKEWOOD, Colo. — Bertha Lucille Appleyard Magee passed away in Lakewood, Colo., on Monday, April 19, 2021. She was born on March 7, 1924, on a farm near Quick, north of McCook, Neb., to Nathan and Ola Mae Knepp Appleyard. On Dec. 31, 1952, Bertha married Dale W. Magee (of Culbertson, Neb.) in Imperial, Neb. They lived in several western states as they moved with Mr. Magee’s employment with the Bureau of Reclamation. They retired in McCook. She moved back to Denver in 1998. Bertha worked during World War II at the Munitions Plant in Denver, Colo., and later as an employee of the Bureau of Reclamation in McCook. She worked for several school districts throughout her lifetime, including for the McCook Public Schools in the special education division, just prior to her retirement. Bertha (aka Grammy, Grandma, Bert, and Aunt Bertie), will be fondly remembered for her quick wit, her competitive streak during Scrabble and Rumikub matches with family, and for her tenacious spirit throughout all life’s tribulations. Her family will warmly recall her strength and determination in defending what she believed in, for her strong faith, her loyalty to her family and friends, and her sense of humor. Preceding her in death was her husband on Nov. 14, 1986; her parents; a sister, Della Shepherd; her brother, Oliver Appleyard; and a young grandson, Joel Thomas. Survivors include her two daughters, Rhonda Magee (husband, Larry Jenks) and Nancy Thomas (husband, Jim Thomas); three grandsons, Chris Magee-Jenks (wife, Tina), Patrick Magee-Jenks, and Adrian Thomas (wife, Nicole Solano-Thomas); and two great-grandchildren, Lily and Lucas Thomas. Celebration of life will take place virtually, via Zoom conference, on Saturday May 22, 2021 at 11 a.m. MDT, 12 p.m. CDT. Call 720-231-4603 for invitation/link to the service. Inurnment will take place at Fort McPherson on June 18, 2021 at 2 p.m
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