Bertha M. Lebel
November 7, 1942-January 8, 2026
Bertha M. Lebel passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, after a brief illness at the age of 83. She was born on November 7, 1942, in Arroyo Grande, California, to Frances and Charles Wilks, and was one of 13 siblings in a close-knit family. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert J. Lebel, Sr.
Bertha spent most of her adult life working as a bookkeeper for Lockheed Martin, where she was known for her dedication, precision, and strong work ethic. In addition to her professional career, she proudly served her community as a local notary and worked closely with escrow and law offices, offering her expertise and reliability to many over the years.
Bertha had a deep love for history and service. She volunteered as a docent of La Purisima Mission and secretary for Prelado De Las Toros, where she generously shared her time, knowledge, and organizational skills. Outside of her work and volunteerism, she found great joy in quilting--a craft through which she expressed creativity, patience, and love, often creating cherished pieces for family and friends.
She was a devoted mother of two children, two stepchildren and a loving grandmother and great-grandmother. Her family was the center of her life, and she took great pride in each generation that followed.
Bertha will be remembered for her kindness, quiet strength, strong sense of responsibility, and unwavering commitment to both her family and her community. She leaves behind a legacy of service, craftmanship, and love that will be treasured by all who knew her.
Bertha's family are hosting a celebration honoring her life on Sunday, March 8,
2026 from 1:30-4:00 at the La Purisima Mission