Berta M. Abernathey

          Berta Mae Abernathey, 89, died Sunday, May 24, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

          Born March 15, 1937, in Iowa City, IA, she was the daughter of Alvin and Marie (Edaburn) Buck.  She grew up and attended schools in the Iowa City area, had been a Northern Minnesota resident since 1973 and for the past 20 years in Bovey.  A homemaker and devoted mother, she married Guy Dean Abernathey on April 24, 1955, in Vinton, IA.  She had a very strong faith, and as a pastor’s wife, she served the church in several capacities including choir director and youth group leader.  Berta was an artist, a pianist, an accordion player, and an avid quilter.  She made many quilts for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  She was a kind, witty, and gentle person who helped many and cared so much for her family.  Berta was an avid camper and loved the outdoors.

          Berta was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Marie Buck; her husband of almost 70 years, Guy; sons, Mark Dean and Scott Kevin Abernathey; a daughter, Lisa Marie Abernathey; brothers, William, David, Roger, and Joseph Buck; and a sister, Marilyn Josephine.

          Survivors include her children, Bethel (Jeff) Fremouw, Kent (Della) Abernathey, and Clint (Marie) Abernathey; thirty-one grandchildren, sixty-five great grandchildren, and twelve great great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Marcy and Coreen Buck; and a brother-in-law, Steve (Linda) Abernathey.

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