Dr. Alberta (Bertie) M. Hanson, 92, Winona Lake, passed away on March 26, 2020.

Dr. Alberta M. Hanson

She was born on March 11, 1928, in Long Beach, California to Albert Hanson and Blanche (Tahash) Hanson.

Her three sisters, Winifred, Willetta and Edisene preceded her in death.

She played a vital role in the lives of her sister’s families leading the way in fun, adventure, a sense of family and provided great personal support in times of need.

She was a life-long educator. She received her diploma in Christian Education from the Bible Institute of Los Angeles (1950), a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Christian Education from BIOLA College (1952), a Masters of Arts (MA) from Grace Seminary, Winona Lake, Indiana (1961), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Christian School Administration from Grace Graduate School, Long Beach, California (1981).  Bertie served as the Director of Christian Education in Southern California, and a board member of both the Greater Los Angeles Sunday School Association (GLASS) and the San Bernardino- Riverside Association of Sunday Schools (BRASS) for 30 years.  She supported foreign missions with extended trips through Central and South America and by developing educational material for these missionary efforts.  She was involved in multiple church ministries, taught homeschoolers as well as children in both Christian and public schools, including the Apple Valley School District in Apple Valley, California.

She published a number of articles and a book, “Abundant Adventures with Alberta . . . Across America and Around the World”. Hanson used her artistic creativity to bring her classrooms alive with interest and knowledge. The God of creation was prominent in her displays, bulletin boards and hands-on activities. She was a talented artist, watercolor painter and art instructor.  As a life learner, she took advantage of her move to Indiana in the fall of 2012 to audit 24 courses in a variety of disciplines at Grace College. Until the end of her life she continued to work on projects, as well as meeting and encouraging people.  She loved the fellowship from her church family at Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church and the residents at Grace Village Retirement Community. She lived a long life and touched the lives of her family, her many students and friends. She died on March 26, 2020, at the age of 92 years. She is survived by six nephews and four nieces. She will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be held from 2 – 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw.  Visitation is limited to 10 at a time, please use good judgment on length of visit.  Bertie’s life will be celebrated with a private family graveside service at Westminster Memorial Park in Westminster, California conducted by Pastor Brian Smith.

Memorial donations may be directed to Grace College Alumni Department, 200 Seminary Drive, Winona Lake, Indiana 46590; or to Grace Village Retirement Community, 337 Grace Village Drive, Winona Lake, Indiana 46590.