On July 31 , 1932, Bertie was born in Bowdre, Illinios to Roscoe M. and Grace F. White Collins. Growing up as  one of eight children and the youngest daughter, she shared her childhood with four sisters and three brothers. Bertie was a member of The Burton High School.

On April 15 , 1950, Bertie and Richard Lee Smith were married in Rochester. They shared 48 years of life's adventures. Sadly, he passed away on April 13 , 1998. Their union produced two beautiful daughters, Linda and Barbara. Two more generations have been added to the family tree with the blessings of a grandson and three great grandchildren.

Bertie retired from Gaerte Engines of Rochester, working for her brother in law. Earlier, she worked at Hart-Schaffner-Marx as a vendor in the canteen area for more than 14 years.  Her memberships include Eagles Lodge Ladies Auxiliary #852 and the LeRoy Shelton American Legion Post # 36 ladies auxiliary, both of Rochester.

The greatest joy of Bertie's life was spending time with her family.  Having sleepovers with her grandchildren was a delight for all.

As an accomplished pianist and organist, Bertie played by ear for her family and friends. She enjoyed country dancing, bowling, playing cards and snowmobiling on Lake Manitou and in Michigan.

Living on Lake Manitou's north shore was the perfect setting for summertime activities with her family like fishing. Getting together for special family celebrations and the holidays were times she truly treasured.

Left to cherish Bertie's memory are two daughters:  Linda L. Kamp, Barbara Lewis and husband Mooch, all of Rochester; grandson Jason Wayne Grube and wife Kelly of Culver; three great-grandchildren: Max Richard Grube, Myles Kelly Grube, Eddi Grace Grube; sister-in-law, Violet Fisher and husband Roy of Rochester; brother-in-law, Allen Ray Smith of Akron; numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews; and grand-dog Kiki.

Preceding Bertie in death are her parents Roscoe and Grace Collins; beloved husband Richard; four sisters and their spouses: Eva and Buryl Reese, Leota Parks, Edna and Howard Holloway, Mildred and Gary Emigh; three brothers and their spouses: Carl and Ruth Collins, Melvin and Gladise Collins, Merle Collins; father and mother-in-law, Sam C. and Hazel Smith; sisters-in-law and spouses: Betty and Jim Little, Alice and Earl Gaerte; and son-in-law Max Wayne Grube.