TEXAS
Alverda “Bertie” Miner nee McKain, 96, formerly of Cortland, passed away Thursday, Jan. 5, 2017, in Texas.
Born June 21, 1920, she was the daughter of Mead and Elva McKain, both of whom preceded her in death.
She grew up on a farm in Cortland. Back then, home was a farmhouse with two small bedrooms, an outside bathroom, a hand pump for water on the back porch, and a pitcher and bowl to wash up inside the back door of the kitchen. Alverda would go on to work in a shirt factory during World War II and worked in retail much of her life.
Alverda met the love of her life, Thomas Miner, when he was stationed at Freeman Army Air Field at Seymour. They married on Nov. 10, 1944, in Montgomery County, Alabama, as Tom continued his service with the United States Army Air Forces. He would go on to serve 10 years as a non-commissioned officer and another 13 years as an officer. Alverda followed him to Alabama and numerous other locations throughout the world, during which time she gave birth to their only child, Sue DeVillez nee Miner.
After the military and Tom’s graduation from Indiana University, Alverda and Tom moved to live and work in St. Louis, Missouri. They continued to enjoy life together after they retired; a marriage spanning more than 50 years. Tom eventually passed away on June 5, 2001. Alverda later moved from St. Louis to Georgetown, Texas, where she made many new friends and enjoyed a vibrant new life.
During her life, Alverda was active socially and a member of a number of different groups. Those most notable include the Fenton Chapter 152 Order of the Eastern Star, the Georgetown Area Republican Women and the Worship Place in Sun City, Texas.
Survivors include her daughter, Sue DeVillez; her two grandchildren, David and Heather; and her sister, Ona Mae Williams.
Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Ken, Marshall and Gerald.
A graveside service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Riverview Cemetery in Seymour with the Rev. Brien Stout, officiating. Voss & Sons Funeral and Crematory Service handled the arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the donor’s charity of choice through the funeral home.