Berta Hardwick

Berta (Birdie) Hardwick passed from this life on Thursday, September 12, 2024.  She was 88 years old.

Berta was born Sunday, July 5, 1936 in Talheim, Germany, to Gottlob 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.

Berta is survived by her children, Scotty (and Melissa) Hardwick, of Russell Springs, and Cindy (and Bryon) Elkins, of Lexington; her sister, Kathe (and Werner) Gross, of Germany; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Hardwick, of Florida and Paula Frey, of Newfoundland; her grandchildren, Aydan Hardwick, Nolan Elkins, Lucas (and Heather) Gosser and Garrett Gosser; and two great-grandchildren. Also surviving are beloved nieces and 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 is 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; nephew, Anthony Burton; niece, Heather Spears; and grandson, Cody Gosser.

Funeral services are 11:00 a.m. CST Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at Bernard Funeral Home, with Bro. Josh Owens officiating.  Burial will follow in Russell Springs City Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Marvin Gentry, Gerad Gentry, Levi Burton, Bryon Elkins, Garrett Gosser, Aydan Hardwick and Nolan Elkins.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 17, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. CST until 7:00 p.m. CST, at Bernard Funeral Home, and will resume on Wednesday morning, after 8:00 a.m. CST, until time for funeral services.

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.

Arrangements for Ms. Berta Hardwick are entrusted to Bernard Funeral Home.  An online guestbook is available at www.bernardfuneralhome.com

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