Bertie Lou Lively

Bertie Lou Lively, 96, of Green Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2025, at Hilltop Center. She was born on September 9, 1929, in Meadow Bridge, West Virginia, to the late William Sherman Diehl and Louella Gwinn Diehl.
Bertie's life was defined by hard work, creativity, and quiet devotion. As a young girl, she delivered newspapers before school and proudly made many of her own clothes. Her talent for sewing blossomed into a small business that she carried throughout her life-creating everything from handmade curtains to beautifully quilted blankets. She frequently attended craft shows, where her work was admired by many. Outside of her craft work, she dedicated herself to being a loving stay-at-home wife and mother.
A woman of faith, Bertie loved attending church and served as a pianist for more than 20 years, sharing her musical gift with her congregation.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her three brothers, Melburn Diehl, Darell Diehl, and Dale Diehl; her husband, Wendell Glen Lively; and her daughters Sheila Lively, Cheryl Martin, and Jeannie Lively.
Bertie is survived by her sons, Steven Lively and Ronald Lively (Penny); sister, Vena Kay Powell; eight grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren, all of whom cherished her deeply.
Funeral services will be held Friday, November 21, 2025, at 1:00pm at Smathers Funeral Chapel, Rainelle, West Virginia. The family will receive friends and neighbors from 12:00pm until the time of the service. Interment will follow at the Wallace Memorial Cemetery, Clintonville.
In lieu of flowers, donations of arts and craft materials or funds may be made to Hilltop Center, 152 Saddle Shop Road, Hilltop, WV 25855, in honor of Bertie's lifelong love of creativity.
Smathers Funeral Chapel is honored to care for Bertie and her family during their great time of need.
Online condolences may be made at www.smathersfuneralchapelinc.com