Leta Carol (Schmelzer) Berna was born in 1934 in Benton County, Washington on Christmas Day. Her family roots with seven siblings kept her close to home. She married the love of her life, J.Z. Berna, on August 8, 1952. They raised their four children in Kennewick, WA, staying close to the family farm.

Mom gave selflessly to her family. For decades, she was supportive of JZ with his first responder burdens. Her favorite moments were family trips, which included beach-combing the local rivers and visiting historical sites. She was a homemaker who cared for any child who walked through her doors. Mom was most happy when she was active. She enjoyed her time

working at Welch's. She gardened, treasure-hunted, and challenged herself with puzzles and games in her retirement.

Mom was passionate about family history and preserving historical documents. She seemed to have the uncanny ability to know details of, not only her family members, but also long-standing members of the local community.

Mom was proceeded in death by dad, JZ Berna; her parents, JR and Laura (Blair) Schmelzer; sister, Jean Pacheco; and brother, David Schmelzer.  She is survived by her children: Jay (Sharon) Berna, Jed (Kim) Berna, Jeff Berna, and Janine

Berna. Her grandchildren: Jana Berna, Jillian (Mark) Ling, Brad (Whitney) Backus, Robin Backus, Kasey (Cody) Crowner, and Courtney (Connor) Ehr. Her great-grandchildren: Brennen, Elsa, and Emersen Ling; Riggins Backus; Emmett, Olivia, and Baby Girl Crowner; and Ronon Ehr. Her siblings: Loretta Hesse, Arnold Schmelzer, Johnny Schmelzer, Sandra Kirkwood, and

Allen Schmelzer. She is also survived by other family members including nieces, nephews, cousins, as well as JZ's eldest daughter, Katherine Lindeman.

With love and respect for a life well lived, her final resting place will be with JZ at the Desert Lawn Veterans Memorial in Kennewick on July 19 at 11:00 AM. A celebration / reception will follow at The Masonic Lodge at 601 W. 6th Avenue.