Bertha J. Rockness, of Lynnwood, Wash., died on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2004. She was 91 years old.

She was born on Vashon Island, Wash., on Nov. 21, 1912, to Hilda and Conrad Andersen. She grew up and attended schools on Vashon Island, graduating from Vashon Island High School. She attended Seattle Pacific College and was employed for several years at Tacoma General Hospital.

On Sept. 8, 1935, she married Omar A. Rockness, who died in October 2001. They spent 66 wonderful years together.

Mrs. Rockness is remembered by her family as a wonderful, loving wife and mother. She was an accomplished seamstress and used her skills for many years sewing for missionary families at Emmanuel Church. She also enjoyed cooking and opening her home to family and friends, hosting many functions for youth and missionary activities of the church and the Cove Missionary Society.

In later years, her grandchildren and great grandchildren were a great joy to her, and she spent many hours knitting, crocheting and praying for them.

Survivors include her two sons Charles A. Rockness and Howard O. Rockness, and her two daughters Joyce Sutherland and Charlene Knapp. Other survivors include one brother Clifford Anderson and one sister Charlotte Mommsen, 12 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, one great great granddaughter and numerous nieces and nephews.

A family graveside service was Thursday, Jan. 15, at Vashon Island Cemetery followed by a memorial service at Aurora Church of the Nazarene in Seattle.