Bertha A. Creech, born May 4, 1921 In Yankton South Dakota, shared her signature smile with her beloved niece, Ruth Smith, for the last time on December 23, 2020, a few months short of her 100th birthday. Bea as she was known as in her later years, resided in Port Orchard since the early 1950’s. When health prevented Bea from living in the waterfront home that she and her husband, Marvin, had built together, she moved to Walla Walla to live with her niece and husband, Ruth and Jim Smith.

When Bea turned 60 she realized a life-long personal desire to continue her education. Attending Olympic College with her fifth son, Loren, she earned an Associates degree and then worked as an office manager for a dentist in Manchester, Washington.

Bea loved to travel, write stories for children and young adults, do volunteer work with her church groups and work in her garden. Most of all, she was dedicated to loving and caring for her family. She was happiest when able to share a meal she had prepared with those fortunate enough to be part of the family by birth or one of the many she had “adopted” as hers along the way.

A private memorial service is planned for the Spring with family members.