Bertha Healey

Bertha Adda (Whitney) Healey, was born July 20, 1923 to Stephen & Anna Whitney. She lived a life marked by deep faith, early calling, and devoted service to God and her family.

Raised in several Washington communities, Bertha's faith took root early. She attended Nazarene Sunday School and was saved at the age of eleven. At thirteen, she began attending the Foursquare Church in Longview and was baptized in Abernathy Creek on July 25, 1937-her grandmother Helland's birthday.

Answering God's call as a teenager, Bertha began preaching at age fifteen and ministered in small churches throughout the region, including Longview, Abernathy, Castle Rock, and Kalama. In December 1939, at age sixteen, she traveled to Los Angeles to minister at Bell Gardens and then went to East Los Angeles to minister before returning home in April 1940 to continue serving in her church in Toutle, WA and various churches in the region.

On June 17, 1942, Bertha married Benjamin Ivan Healey. Together they shared a life of ministry and were blessed with three daughters-Rebecca Louise, Rachel Christine, and Maribeth-whom they loved deeply. In later years, Bertha ministered at the Assembly of God in Schawana for nineteen years (1976–1993). As her husband's health declined, they moved to Cashmere, where Benjamin passed away on March 30, 1996. In 2008, Bertha moved to Kent, WA and lived there until 2019 when she moved in with her daughter Rachel and her husband Grant in Maple Valley.

In her eighties, she experienced a cherished highlight of her life when she traveled to Israel with her sister Violet. Bertha was gifted musically and taught herself to play the piano, accordion, and guitar, using her talents as an expression of worship. She delighted in time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, treasuring each season of family life. She was known for her warm smile, easy laughter, and her love of sharing stories from her childhood.

Bertha passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026, with Grant and Rachel at her side. She entered into her eternal rest in the presence of the Lord she served faithfully throughout her life. She will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her joyful spirit, and the deep love she had for her family and all whose lives she touched.

Bertha is survived by her three daughters, Rebecca Louise, Rachel Christine, Maribeth, 10 grandchildren and multiple great-grandchildren. We are grateful for the 102 years we were privileged to have had with her. "Well done, good and faithful servant." --Matthew 25:23

A memorial service for Bertha will be held at 12:30 PM at Real Life Church (26201 180th Ave SE, Covington, WA 98042) with Pastor Steve Murray. A luncheon will follow the service at the church.