Berta (Birdie) Hardwick, 88, of Russell Springs, KY passed from this life on Thursday, September 12, 2024. She was born July 5, 1936 in Talheim, Germany to Gottleib and Katharina Frey.
In 1955, Berta immigrated by herself to the United States at the age of 19 and married Nolan Hardwick on April 8, 1958. Birdie was an incredibly loving, selfless person who always put others first. When you met her, you became family. She deeply loved her friends, family and her kitty, Angel. Birdie was an avid reader and a football fan.
SURVIVORS:
2 children: Scotty (and Melissa) Hardwick of Russell Springs, KY and Cindy (and Bryon) Elkins of Lexington, KY
1 sister: Kathe (and Werner) Gross of Germany
2 sisters-in-law: Phyllis Hardwick, of Florida and Paula Frey, of Newfoundland
4 grandchildren: Aydan Hardwick, Nolan Elkins, Lucas (and Heather) Gosser and Garrett Gosser
2 great-grandchildren
Beloved nieces & nephews: Bernadine Burton, Ina Taylor, Marvin Gentry, James Hardwick, Jerry Grider, Rosie Frey, Claudia Guhrer, Margit Ernst, Christa Burkhardt, Sabine Hahn, Barbel Nadele, Alfred Frey, Eugene Frey, Petra Frey, Alisa Miller and Theresa Bennett
In addition to her parents, Berta was preceded in death by her husband, Nolan; her brothers: Walter Frey, Eugene Frey, Gustav Frey and Alfred Frey; sisters-in-law: Flossie Grider, Edna Gentry, Kathl Frey and Ursula Frey; brothers-in-law: Dillard Hardwick and J.B. Grider; a nephew, Anthony Burton; a niece, Heather Spears; and a grandson, Cody Gosser.
Funeral Service: Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 11:00amCT at Bernard Funeral Home with Bro. Josh Owens officiating
Burial: Russell Springs City Cemetery
Visitation: Tuesday, September 17, 2024 from 5:00pm-7:00pmCT and Wednesday after 8:00amCT at Bernard Funeral Home
Birdie loved vivid colors! Please feel free to wear something bright in her honor.
Berta’s late husband, Nolan, was an active member of the Shriners and she believed greatly in their cause. Donations to that organization in their memory are appreciated. Online donations may be given through https://donate.lovetotherescue.org or in-person donations may be made at the funeral home.
Pallbearers: Marvin Gentry, Gerad Gentry, Levi Burton, Bryon Elkins, Garrett Gosser, Aydan Hardwick and Nolan Elkins
Arrangements are entrusted to Bernard Funeral Home. An online guestbook is available at www.bernardfuneralhome.com.
