Bertha was born July 5, 1922, in Springfield, the daughter of John and Ethel Stephens. She married Henry G. Eaves on June 21, 1944, in Springfield; he preceded her in death on September 12, 2017.
Bertha was a graduate of Springfield High School. She attended Chatham Presbyterian Church and Third Presbyterian Church in Springfield. Bertha was a secretary at Stuart and Dubois Elementary Schools and also worked for the Illinois State Library. In her earlier years, she was a roller skating performer and judge. Bertha enjoyed traveling, playing bridge, doing puzzles, crafts, sewing, and spending time with family. She was also the 2020 family bocce ball champion.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Kathryn Bolt and Grace Buecker; and brother, Raymond Stephens.
Bertha is survived by her daughter, Sandra (Rick) Mollahan of Rochester; grandchildren, Brynna Mollahan (Hugh Deaver) and Eric Mollahan; great-granddaughter, Leila Deaver; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and her beloved cat, Sugar.
Visitation and Funeral Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. on Friday, May 3, 2024, at Boardman-Smith Funeral Home, 800 South Grand Avenue West, Springfield. A Funeral Ceremony will follow at 11:30 a.m. with Pastor Susan Phillips officiating.
Burial will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice Foundation of America.