of Romance, AR
March 7, 1942 - April 3, 2025
It is with a heavy heart we have to share that a beautiful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, Elberta Ruth Garcia, has left us behind to join her heavenly father on April 3rd, 2025.
Berta was born on March 7th, 1942, in Pittsburgh, PA to Elbert Chiplis and Ruth (Wilson) Chiplis. She was raised in Gipsy, PA. She moved to Illinois as a young woman, where she later met the love of her life, Efraim ''Fred'' Garcia. They shared a wonderful 55 years and seven children together.
She worked in several different factories throughout her career. She finally retired from Prince Castle in 2005, where she worked as a welder and braiser. She enjoyed the outdoors, especially camping, fishing, and gardening. She also loved to gather with family and friends for any occasion, but especially holidays.
Berta was preceded in death by her parents as well as her stepmother, Stella Chiplis; brothers Addie and Tom Chiplis; dear sisters-in-law Sylvia Chiplis and Amelia Alcazar; and beloved brothers-in-law Ernie Alcazar and Ed Tate.
She is survived by her husband Efraim (aka Fred) as well as their seven children; sons Bill (Amy) Williams, Steve Williams (Linda Arjes), Ken Williams (Charlotte Little) of Illinois; Sam (Sheila) Garcia and Phillip Garcia of Arkansas; daughters Lisa (Randy) English of Arkansas, and Lori (Mike) Hemby of Illinois.
Berta is also survived by four brothers; Elbert ''Tip'' (Ann) Chiplis, Clifford (Janet) Chiplis, and Tim Chiplis of Pennsylvania, and Larry Chiplis of Illinois; six sisters; Irene (Ron) Smith, JoAnne Rice, Stella Shedd, and Rose Oxley of Pennsylvania, Mary (Jim) Klock of Illinois, and Jean Tate of Georgia; her very much loved friend and sister-in-law Erene (Lee) Brown of Mississippi; beloved brother-in-law Cip (Rocky) Garcia of Iowa, sister-in-law Stella Alejandro of Texas, and brother-in-law Manuel Garcia. There are numerous nieces and nephews as well.
She is survived by 19 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; Joe Williams (2 children), Matthew Williams (1 child), Luke Williams, Chad Sharp (3 children), Stacy Sharp (3 children), Chandler Garcia, Steve Williams Jr., April Adams, Amanda Lopez, Ashlee Williams (3 children), Johnathan Garcia (1 child), Manuel Garcia (2 children), Christopher Garcia (1 child), Michael Garcia, Krystal Williams, Roseann Johnson (2 children), Ryan English (1 child), Cora Hemby, and Michael Hemby.
Finally, Berta is survived by her very special and dear friend, Debbie (Tom) Lieberg of Illinois.
She had many other friends that we know will miss her.
Visitation will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 5, 2025, followed by a Celebration of Life at 3:00 PM in the chapel at Roller-Daniel Funeral Home. Interment will follow at a later date due to predicted weather.
Online Guestbook:www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/searcy
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12 Condolence(s)
Amy Jones
Monday, April 7, 2025
Our deepest condolences to Uncle Freddy & all our cousins. We have so many fond memories of Aunt Bert. Camping in her backyard so we could watch the air show when she lived near the airport, and chatting for hours on the phone with our Mom, Sylvia. She made our house one of the favorites on the block because she gave us so many Popsicles from her job at Jel Sert. Aunt Bert, we hope you are up there with Mom having a great time catching up. We love you! Amy, Emily, Maggie, Andy, Kathryn , Elizabeth & Larry
Becky Danner
Sunday, April 6, 2025
Hugs to the family, it's hard to loose a loved one.
Prayers
Lori Hemby
Saturday, April 5, 2025
Mom,
You will never know how much I love you and how much I will miss you. I never told you enough what a wonderful mother you were to all of us kids and I hope you know how much your grandkids love you. You always worked hard to make sure we always had what we needed. You made every holiday, birthday and really every day extra special. You loved us all unconditionally and would do anything for any of us. I hope I can be half the mom you were. I will miss our (near) daily chit-chats, your funny sayings and your sense of humor and just hearing your voice. Thank you for loving Dad for 55 years and teaching us that there is nothing that we can't do or get through. I know you will always be watching over us and our kids. Heaven received an extra special angel today. I love you Mom!
Phil Tschannen
Friday, April 4, 2025
My Heartfelt condolences go out to Fred,Lori and family during this difficult time. May she rest in eternal peace and comfort in Heaven. The family will be in my prayers.
Sandra Alcazar
Friday, April 4, 2025
We’re so sorry for your loss. Aunt Bert created a welcoming place for everyone to gather. Her love for family was clear in every gathering, especially those cozy nights around the firepit. Our hearts are with you all during this sad time. May she rest in God's peace.
Irene Smith
Friday, April 4, 2025
Bert we grew up together laughing like idiots,But we always a good time. If you didn't call me, I would call you and talk for a hr.Boy I'll sure am going to miss that. She sure loved her family .she was always saying Freddy is so good to me..she looked to seeing her family's I could go on..But she was loved by all. Ron and I are sending love and prayers to Fred and the family.Love her sister Irene
Cliff & Janet Chiplis
Friday, April 4, 2025
Sorry we can't be with you at this sad time. Please know our prayers and thoughts are with you all. Sending our love. Cliff and Janet
Sandee Alcazar
Friday, April 4, 2025
Family we are so sorry for your loss. May she rest in Heaven.
Sandee and the girls.
Debbie and Tom Liberg
Friday, April 4, 2025
Berta will forever remain in our hearts and memories. Wishing you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Jack Williams
Friday, April 4, 2025
Thank you for being the best great grand mother ever. Rest in peace.
Your Great-Grandson, Jack
Lois Konop
Friday, April 4, 2025
I'm deeply sorry to hear of Berta's passing.. My prayers are with Fred and Lori, the whole family.. May God be with you all in this hard time..
Eunice Stranc
Friday, April 4, 2025
I was so very sorry to hear of the passing of Berta. She will be missed. Our prayers go out to Fred, Lori and family. May she rest in peace.