June 1, 1913 – Dec. 8, 2011
Bertha Amelia “Dede” Steward, 98, of Sweet Home died Dec. 8, 2011 at Twin Oaks Rehab.
She was born June 1, 1913 in Mineral, Calif. to Arba A. and Amelia (Herrick) Steward. She lived in Paradise, Calif. for most of her life and came to Sweet Home 14 years ago. She and her family became Seventh Day Adventist when she was 16 years old and she remained a strong believer for her entire life, even following a vegetarian diet before it became the “thing” to do.
She worked as a cook at the Feather River Hospital in Paradise, Calif. for more than 15 years.
Miss Steward enjoyed gardening, but loved her roses. She always stopped to smell the roses. She loved cooking for her friends and family. Even though she didn’t have children she was a “mom” to her nieces and nephew and was the only mom Tara, her grandniece, ever knew.
She was a very loving and selfless person, always thinking of other’s needs first, never expecting anything in return.
Miss Steward is survived by her grandniece, Tara Arneson of Salem, whom she raised from birth.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Byron Steward; sisters Laura Konradi and Lenora Lambie, whom Miss Steward took care of until her death in 1982.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.