Bertha Chollar McPhail, 96, passed away on November 17, 2011 in Boise, Idaho.  She was born in Three Forks, Montana on September 10, 1915 to Homer B. and Emma Reinhardt Chollar in a converted box car they called the “Doll House”.

Bertha graduated from Three Forks High School in 1933, then graduating from Northwestern Business University in Spokane, WA.  She returned to Three Forks where she married George McPhail in 1936.  In 1965 they moved to Puyallup, WA where she worked as a corporate bookkeeper for a nursing home facility.  They later moved to Sheridan, WY to be near their oldest daughter, Leah Jean Kuzara.  She continued her bookkeeping career there.  George died in 1984 and Bertha moved to Meridian, ID to be closer to her other daughter, Gwen Alger. 

Bertha loved to knit and crochet.  She was a “Seven’s Hero” because she made over 500 baby caps for St. Lukes Neonatal Hospital in Boise.  The family all benefited from her love to cook by the Sunday dinners.

Bertha is survived by her daughter, Leah Jean Kuzara and her 3 children, Gregg Kuzara and his children Angela and Alex; Darcee and Steve Rotz and their children Christopher Crider, Lindsee and Hayden; and Stephen and Beatriz Kuzara and their children August and Heidi.

She is also survived by her daughter and son-in-law Gwen and Brent Alger and their 3 children, Brian and Lisa Alger and their son Garrett;  Robin and Jim Forbus and their children, Christian, Korey, Michaela and Sydney; and Derek Alger.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband George, her brother H.B. Chollar, her sisters Helen Jenkins and Idamae Jeglum, and her granddaughter-in-law Bonnie Kuzara.

The family wishes to thank Country Time Assisted Living in Star, ID for their excellent care for the last 3 years.  Cremation arrangements were under the direction of Accent Funeral Home, Meridian, ID

Memorials may be sent to Three Forks Historical Society, P.O. Box 116, Three Forks, MT  59752 or Legacy Home Health and Hospice, 680 S. Progress Ave, Ste. 2A, Meridian, ID 83642.  Remembrances may be left online for the family at www.AccentFuneral.com

Condolences:

Sender's Name: Ann Williams
I will always remember Bertha with that radiant, infectious smile. Heaven is an even brighter place with this truly wonderful person. She will be greatly missed. Love you Bertha!

Sender's Name: Sue Hulse
Gwen, thinking of you and your family at this time. God be with you. Hugs