Bernice L. Kirkland

1926 - 2022

Bernice Lucille Terrell Kirkland was born on June 18, 1926, in Scott County, Kansas, to Guy Terrell and Blanch Lavon Gardner Terrell (Stephen). She was the second daughter of five children. In spring of 1944, she graduated from Armel High School and in August of that year, she married her high school sweetheart, Charles Kirkland. She went to work in the shipyards in Bremerton, Washington, while her husband was deployed to the Aleutian Islands with the Navy. She was our "Rosie the Riveter." When the war ended, they returned to Colorado. They had two daughters, Rita Uhler and Pamela Bloomfield. They were later divorced. In 1963, Bernice graduated from Northeastern Junior College's first Licensed Practical Nursing Program. She worked in Physicians' offices-notably Dr.'s Clark and Manganaro and Dr. Gregor. She worked at Logan County Hospital. Her favorite position was as the nursery nurse in the Obstetrics Department. She loved rocking those new babies! She was appointed to the State of Colorado Nursing Board by Governor Love during her working years, fighting for the working rights of Practical Nurses. She was a member of the First Christian Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Guy Terrell and Blanch Terrell Stephen. Her sisters, Leora Terrell Riessen and Bonneta Terrell Shafer, special friend, Jerry Hume and her beloved daughter, Pamela Bloomfield and son-in-law, Don Bloomfield., She is survived by her daughter, Rita (Gene) Uhler, her grandchildren, Kellie Sue Peters, Julie (Paul) Hoffman-Hogan, Jeanne (Mike) Schuppe, Kristin (Michael Matthies) Uhler, Lori (Roland) Cross, Mindy (Scot) Bloomfield-Fossom, and Scott (Tera) Bloomfield, 14 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Her two brothers, Roland (Barbara) Terrell and Larry (Donna) Terrell. and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Believing in science and education, she donated her body to Science Care upon her passing on July 5, 2022. She was 96 years, two weeks and 5 days old. She was petite in stature, but large in spirit. She loved her garden and raising beautiful flowers. She loved her family mightily and remained close to her brothers until her death. Per her request, no services will be held. However, the family will hold private services when she is returned to us by Science Care.