Bertha Rabago

Our beloved Bertha Rabago, long-time resident of Jerome, Arizona, passed away suddenly on December 17, 2015 at the age of 83 as the result of natural causes. Bertha was born in Jerome, daughter of Leopoldo and Concepcion Rabago. She attended schools in Jerome until her family moved to California, where she completed the last two years of high school and then attended College as a business major. Coming from a very poor background, her knowledge in the field of business stood her well in the various positions she held over the years. Rising from her first job at age sixteen as a salesperson for Karl's Shoe Store, she worked as a bookkeeper, business manager of a dental practice, owner of a restaurant, and finally returned to her beloved Jerome where she has been involved in other business ventures including ownership of the Rickledoris Candy Store for 20 years. Bertha had a strong love for family and friends, she was the driving force in making sure that the tradition of having a family reunion continued every October in Jerome of her immediate and extended families. She will be remembered as a loving and caring person with a warm smile, who had a strong desire to help others, someone who worked hard, always looked toward the future and had a lifelong passion for learning. Surviving Bertha are daughters Barbara Lucero, Artis Roque, and grandsons Thomas Lucero and Steven Lucero. Also surviving are brothers Cruz, Roberto, and Leo. She was preceded in death by her parents and by her sisters Belia, Barbara and Carolina and husband Alfredo Gutierrez. The date for a service to celebrate Bertha's life has not been determined.