Bertha Marie Dempsey

Bertha (Sis) Marie Dempsey, age 82, of Spokane, Washington passed away at her son's home in Layton, Utah on January 21, 2011. She was born March 25, 1928 in St. Ignatius, Montana to Samuel and Elizabeth Gebeau Barber. She is a member of the Confederated Salish-Kootenai Tribes. She grew up in Ronan, Montana. She graduated top of her class from Ronan High School in 1947. She married John R Dempsey on December 31, 1946 in Ronan, Montana. They moved to Spokane, Washington where they raised 5 children. Four sons, one daughter. She studied Senior and Elder Care, earning an Associates Degree in Gerontology at the Spokane Community College.
Sis was a member of the VFW Women's Auxiliary in Spokane, Washington and had tended bar at the Spokane VFW for a time. She loved music and to dance and sing. She had many friends and was known for her great sense of humour and sharp wit. She was loved for being a teller of good stories. The most important thing in her life was her family. She was a grandmother of 20 and great grandmother of 19.
She is survived by her son, Steven Dempsey of Spokane, WA, James (Deniese) Dempsey of Layton, Utah and Janine (Larry) Taggart of Snohomish, Washington. She is preceded in death by her husband, two sons; John Michael Dempsy MD and Daniel Shawn Dempsey. Her parents and four brothers. Services will be announced and held at a later date.