Linda Berg

MALTA- Clara Linda Berg 65, passed away on April 13, 2019, in Billings, of natural causes. Rosary was held on Sunday, April 21, 2019, at Kirkwood Memorial Chapel at 7 P.M. Funeral Mass was held Monday, April 22, 2019, at St. Mary's Catholic Church at 1:00 P.M. Interment to follow at Malta Cemetery.

Condolences for the family may be left at http://www.kirkwoodfuneralhome.com

As we gather I know it is with heavy hearts but Linda would have wanted this to be a celebration. Let us honor her today and celebrate her beautiful soul. She had a great love of life and as we say goodbye let us remember her as a person with a loving heart and twinkling eyes. She would have loved to see you all here. She would visit with each of you and thank you for coming. We, her family, are also grateful for all of you who have traveled to be with us today and for those who are with us in spirit.

Clara Linda Berg was born on June 23, 1953, to John and Annie Laturnus. She was the sixth of nine children and she spent her early years chasing her siblings and helping on the farm. She lived on the Rosefield farm and for a time in Val Marie until a young American came and swept her off of her feet. After he proposed in No Man's Land, Linda married the love of her life, Norris Berg, and moved with him to Montana. They built a home together in Whitewater where she remained until her passing. Nory and Linda always had a project on the go. She loved to restore antiques with him (which anyone who has ever visited their garage is well aware of). She loved to dance (especially "The Waltz Across Texas") and to host gatherings for family and friends. Linda always had time for their nieces and nephews. There was always a promise of adventure and candy. Time spent at the Berg house was always memorable.

Though she was busy being a full-time Aunty, Linda held many different jobs. She worked for many years as a custodian of the Whitewater School and at the Port of Monchy border (where she often spoiled the workers with lots of treats). She worked as a crop adjuster and at the local post office. For many years she sold Avon (more than anything to fill goodie bags for friends and families I think.) She also worked at American RTM homes. Through all of these jobs, she was dedicated and put in countless hours until everything was done and done perfectly. She was meticulous with details which was evident in the way the Whitewater School was always spotless. She taught us that hard work never killed anyone and if you do things right the first time you never have to do it again.

Linda's dedication was not only shown in her commitment to her family, friends, and career but also in her faith. She had a strong belief in God and His plan. She took time to share that with each of her nieces and nephews as they grew up. Even when she became sick, she trusted in God's plan. She asked each of us to pray for her and she continued to pray for each of us. She surrounded herself with Angels and flowers, simple reminders of God's love and goodness. She believed strongly that if you put things in God's hands, He would take care of it. It was this faith that kept her in our lives for so long.

Linda loved life and everything about it. She loved to play cards and visit. Once she sat down at the table with a friend she lost all concept of time. She loved going to live theatre and music performances (not to mention Cowboy Poetry readings). Though she moved away from the Laturnus ranch she still enjoyed returning home to help with the roundup and branding. She was skilled at crafts (including ceramics). One of her favorite things to do was to shop for those she loved. She had many midnight shopping trips buying the perfect presents for everyone. She had an amazing ability to make things special (not to mention her talent for packing 100 things into one box). She got so much joy from watching her nieces and nephews grow up. She always had time for a story (though she never told it the same way twice), or lesson. She saw each of them grow up and as her years drew to a close she fought for more time so she could see a new generation grow. It is in their hearts and memories that she will always live.

Each of us will carry with us a special memory because that is the type of person she was. She made everyone around her feel special. She had a way of seeing what made each of us unique and she loved us for that reason. She remembered and cared for everyone she met. She always started a conversation with strangers and always wanted to know more about their lives. She was full of love and full of life and this is the way we will always hold her in our hearts.

Linda is survived by her siblings Jack (Debbie) Laturnus, Jane (Hector) Cherpin, Dale (Jenny) Laturnus, Laura (Warren) Nesland, Sister-in-law Edna Laturnus, numerous nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews, and special friend Alan Dumontel. She is also remembered by members of Norris Berg's family, Howard Berg, Norma Fowler, Pat Tribby, and Janette Berg. Along with her family, many friends are left to cherish her memory including dear friend Sally Austin. There are many joyful reunions to be had in Heaven as Linda goes to join those who she was preceded by. Her husband (Norris Berg), her parents (John and Annie Laturnus), Grandparents (Anthony and Mariann Laturnus, Peter and Eugina Geiger). Two brothers (Joseph and Walter Laturnus). Two sisters (Betty Perrault and Rosalie Laturnus). Numerous aunts and uncles. Sister-In-Las (Lois Berg and sue Berg). Brothers-in Laws (Francis Berg, Roger Fowler, Kenneth Berg, and Morell Tribby). Her niece (Karen Fowler-Ragan) and two nephews (Ross Tribby and Carson Berg).

We would like to thank all of you for the ways you have supported and prayed with Linda on her journey. She has been an inspiration for all of us with her courage, love, and faith. While her absence leaves a hole in our family, her love and memories fill our hearts. She taught us many lessons; never sit out a dance, pray every day, and love with all your heart.