Berta Helen Wallin went to be with the Lord on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012 at the age of 89. The second of five children, she was born Aug. 29, 1922 in Moclips, Wash., to Edgar and Helen Gill. Berta was raised on the Washington coast, as her father followed the lumber camp’s railroad system.

Berta graduated from Elma High School and moved to Aberdeen, working at a cabinet shop, furniture manufacturer and finally at the Aberdeen Plywood Mill. She was married to Don Wallin in Aberdeen in 1947. From that marriage, three sons were born.

In 1958 Don accepted a position with Everett Trust and Savings Bank and the family moved to Oak Harbor, making this their home. Berta worked as secretary for the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce and then was hired as a Food Service worker for the Oak Harbor School District and finally as a warehousewoman for NAS Whidbey Island, a position she held for 17 years.

Berta was a member of the Oak Harbor First United Methodist Church, Federally Employed Women, Whidbey Vagabonds Travel Club, Christian Women’s Club, Emblem Club 450, Rebekah Lodge 254, Lodge Solidaritet 396 Vasa Order of America, the Whidbey-Deception Pass Boat Club and a 20 year volunteer with the Oak Harbor Senior Center. She was proud to be a member of the Cowlitz Tribal Nation and occasionally traveled to Chehalis to attend a powwow or tribal event.

Berta’s greatest love was her family. She was constantly keeping up to date on her family and her grandchildren. She loved following their successes. She was very proud of her grandchildren as they completed college and advanced degrees.

Berta enjoyed Bible study, reading, history classes at the senior center, knitting, following current events, and sending hundreds of birthday and anniversary cards to numerous friends and family each year.

Berta is survived by her three sons and their spouses: Gary and Martha Wallin, Bob and Debbie Wallin, Ron and Gayle Wallin, all of Oak Harbor and grandchildren: Jeff and Leslie Wallin, Ryan and Bonnie Wallin, Kelda and John Adair, Kirstin Wallin and Justin Roche, Erik and Laura Wallin, Jason and Shannon Wallin, Matthew Wallin and Taylor Bouchard, Skye and David Stuckey and Jessica King. Six great grandchildren, Kaytlyn, Skyler, Payton, Parker, Gracie and Adelaide Wallin also survive. She has two additional great-grandchildren due to be born in the next two months. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, two sisters and two brothers.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at Maple Leaf Cemetery. A celebration of life will follow at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church with Pastor Dave Johnson officiating. Memorials may be made to the Scleroderma Foundation, Evergreen Chapter, P.O. Box 84506, Seattle, WA 98124. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.wallinfuneralhome.com Arrangements are entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home & Cremation, LLC, Oak Harbor.