Bertha Schaapman De Jong, 81, was born in Ripon, on July 2, 1928, and passed away peacefully  to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, October 25, 2009. She is survived  by her husband of 59 years Cornelius De Jong of Ripon; her children, Carol and Ron Kunnen of Delhi, Glenn and Marilyn De Jong of Ripon, Larry and Antine De Jong of Ripon; her grandchildren, Christa and Steve Owens  of Turlock, Bryan Kunnen of Modesto, Amber Kunnen of Delhi, Andrea De Jong of Ripon, Matthew De Jong of Ripon, Brianna De Jong of Ripon, Chad De Jong of Manteca and Sean De Jong of Ripon; her siblings, Gertie Schaapman of Chicago, Clara and Andy Brouwer of Ripon and Johanna Johansen of Modesto.  

Bertha attended Ripon Christian Schools and was in the first high school graduating class of 1946. After high school, Bertha worked for the Agricultural Extension Service in Modesto. She worked at Palm Haven Care Center as a CNA and later as a receptionist. She also did bookkeeping for the family  trucking business.  

She was a lifetime member of  the First Christian Reformed Church in Ripon.  She served on the Library Committee, the Historical Committee, and the church newsletter  staff. She served as bulletin secretary and was involved in Bible  studies.   

She will be remembered for  her love and devotion to her family and friends, and for her faithful service to her church. She believed that all she did was only  by the grace of God.   

Visitation will be held at  Deegan Ripon Memorial Chapel on Friday, October 30, 2009 from 2 to 5 p.m. Graveside services will be held at the Ripon Cemetery on Saturday, October 31, 2009 at 10 a.m. followed by a Memorial Service at the First Christian Reformed Church at 11 a.m.

In loving memory of Bertha  donations may be made to Ripon Christian Schools 435 Maple Ave. Ripon,  CA 95366 or Community Hospice 4368 Spyres Way Modesto, CA 95356. Deegan  Ripon Memorial Chapel is in charge of services and an online guest registry  is available at www.deeganfuneralchapels.com.