Bertha Eda Branch, age 90, of 95 North 200 East (Elmo, Utah) died April 29, 2008 at her home in Elmo.

She was born Oct. 28, 1917 to Lyman Royal Sherman and Martha Ellen Jones in Huntington, Utah.

She married Charles R. Collard on Oct. 16, 1933 at her father's home in Huntington, Utah; their marriage was later solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple. After Charles' death, she married Hollis Branch on Oct. 15, 1977 in the Manti LDS Temple.

Bertha was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and worked in the Primary program for more than 50 years. She was a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers and a member of the Senior Citizens band. She loved to dance and she line danced up until her illness stopped her. Family was always first. She enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting and attending family parties and outings.

She is survived by her children: Reynold Charles (Reah) Collard, Merrillyn Lermusiaux, all of Salt Lake City; She also raised three of Reynolds children: Roland (deceased) Diane Collard of Salt Lake City, Debbie (Joe) Oveson, Claudia (Pete) Jensen, of Elmo; eight grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 25 great-great grandchildren; sister: Belva Mindrey; and stepsons: Roger, Bob, Kendall, and Denny Branch and their families. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husbands; grandson: Roland Collard; son-in-law: Sonny Lermuisaux; and 11 brothers and sisters.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 3, 2008 at 2 p.m. at the Elmo Ward Chapel, 170 East Main Street, Elmo, Utah. Viewing was held on Friday, May 2, 2008 from 6-8 p.m. at Fausett Mortuary, 680 East 100 South, Price, Utah and Saturday one hour prior to the Service at the Church.
Interment in the Huntington City Cemetary.
Published in the Emery County Progress on 5/6/2008.