Baker City, Baker County, Oregon
Bertha May Weeks White, 99, a former Baker City resident, died March 4, 2006.
Her funeral, with full military honors, is scheduled at Riverside National Cemetery at Riverside County, Calif., in April.
Mrs. White was born on Sept. 27, 1906, at Baker City. She and her daughter, Marjorie, moved to Los Angeles in 1930.
In 1943, her patriotism and strong sense of duty and determination led her to join the Women’s Army Corps. As she rose through the military ranks, she received numerous medals and commendations.
Her tours of duty included occupied German and Japan as World War II ended. She served with Gen. Darril Gerow and at their request, she served with both Gen. Manton Eddy and Gen. Charles Bolte in Europe.
During her time in Europe, she chauffeured many dignitaries, including Gen. and Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower, Gen. and Mrs. Omar Bradley and Gen. and Mrs. George C. Marshall.
In 1955, Master Sgt. White requested a transfer to Fort MacArthur at San Pedro, Calif., to be closer to her daughter and granddaughter. In 1963, she retired from the military with full honors while stationed at Fort McClellan, Ala.
She retired to Covina, Calif., where she lived in her own apartment until 2004. She then moved with her daughter and granddaughter at West Covina. She spent her retirement years caring for people in need, stray animals and enjoying time with family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her brothers, Clarence, Bert, Carl and Billy; her sister, Lena Entermille; and her beloved poodle, Peppe.
Survivors include her daughter, Marjorie; granddaughter, Donna; great-grandchildren, Laura and Shawn; and her great-great-grandchildren, Lauren. Grandma White and Lauren shared a particularly close bond and loving relationship; other survivors include countless nieces, nephews and friends, who fondly referred to her as Mother, Grandma White, Aunt May or Aunt Bertha.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, March 24,2006
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor