Bertie Mae Virden-Rivers passed to heaven and to her just rewards; surrounded by her family on September 19, 2023, in Hanford, California. Born May 19, 1926, to Bertie Jesse Barnes and William Calvin Virden in Atkins, Pope County, Arkansas.

At 97 years and 4 months, Bertie Mae is the longest living member of the extended Virden-Barnes family's.  She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Reba Faye Bradley and one-half brother, William Jennings Bryant Virden.  In addition, many beloved aunts, uncle's, niece's and nephew's.

Bertie Mae is survived by her four children: Karen Vogelhuber (Dave) of San Jose, Billy Brown of Lemoore, Judy Ereno of Hanford, and Anita Roby (Jerald) of Corcoran.  Eleven grandchildren; Steve Vogelhuber, Sandy Edwards (Jack), Sherri Vogelhuber, Kendra Johnson-Moore, Kimberly Johnson, Steven Brown (Lisa), Tony Brown, Keenen Stohr, Shannon Stohr, Meridith Shepherd (Day), Craig Standridge (Emily), and Samantha Borum (Donnie).  Seventeen great grandchildren; Reese, Reid and Reif Moore, Mia and Rasmus Bjorn, Josh Vogelhuber, Colton, Lane and Harper Brown, Ethan Shepherd, Victoria Trunkfeld, Dawnica Domingues, Zane and Jessica Stohr, Teagan, Christopher and Katherine Standridge.  In addition, Bertie is survived by her cousins, Violet Rose Gossom of Ventura, who was raised as her sister and Charles and Charlene Barnes of Lemoore who were her faithful visitors.

Bertie was a life-long Christian, with a great love of God and a compassion for others, especially those less fortunate.  She was a long-time member of the First Southern Baptist Church in Hanford.  In addition to her church activities, Bertie was an avid gardener.  She belonged to The Hanford Garden Club and held many responsible offices.  She won many awards at the Kings County Fair for her floral arrangements.

Bertie Mae was the true matriarch of her family.  Leading the family with a firm hand and compassion.  Her last thoughts were of her family.  At the end, her request was that each of her family to live a life worthy of going heaven, so that she might see them all once again.

Graveside services will be held on October 12, 2023, at 11:30 am at the Lemoore Cemetery 1441 North Lemoore Avenue, Lemoore, California

There will be a time of fellowship and a shared meal following the services at the Fleet Reserve at 788 West D Street, Lemoore, California.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in Bertie's name to either the Hanford Garden Club P.O. Box 1795 Hanford, California 93232

Or

Harvest Community Baptist Church P.O. Box 565, Corcoran, California 93212