Bernice M. Orth, 100, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2026.
She was born November 29, 1925 in Burrton, Kansas, to Frank and Sarah (Penner) Saint. Bernice grew up in Lyons, Kansas, and graduated from Lyons High School in 1943.
Bernice later moved to Hutchinson, Kansas, where she met the love of her life, Robert L. “Bob” Orth, while she was working at the local movie theater (he was a very persistent customer!). They were married on December 27, 1944, in Arizona, during the time he was stationed with the U.S. Marine Corps in California. Bob preceded her in death on November 5, 2012.
After his service, the family lived in Illinois and then Overland Park, Kansas, before settling down in St. Joseph in 1971.
Bernice was the quintessential homemaker. An expert seamstress, she made clothes for her daughters, then later she made Halloween costumes for her grandchildren. She was even better known for her baking – especially fresh cherry pies, with cherries from trees in her yard.
Bernice enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and keeping a neat and tidy house. She made it a point to always be well put-together, never missing her Wednesday hair appointments with beauticians who became like family over the years. She also prided herself on driving until she was 96, after passing her driving test with flying colors.
In addition to the pride she felt for her family, she was most proud of accomplishing a life-long goal of reaching 100 years old. She said it was her best birthday ever, with a big party, numerous family members and friends she hadn’t seen in years attending and, of course, a tiara for the birthday girl.
Bernice leaves a legacy of a long life well-lived, and an immeasurable amount of memories for her family to treasure.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Bob; her parents; brothers, Wilber C. Saint and Robert L. Saint; and son-in-law, Robert Hertel.
Survivors include her children, Cheryl Hertel, Randy Orth (Katherine), and Lynda Janes (Jon); seven grandchildren, Michelle Narayan (Euan), Rachael Orth (Jeff Bird), Ryan Hertel (Lien), Dustin Hertel (Rouella), Ashley Spence (Bobby), Matt Powell (Anne), and Chris Janes (Haley); and great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Dylan, CC, Liam, Rowan, Graham, Shepherd, Walker, Maddox, Wells, and another one on the way.
Graveside Farewell Services and Interment 1:00 P.M. Thursday, April 16, Memorial Park Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions to Second Harvest Food Bank or the American Heart Association.
