Berdena 'Bernie' Mulford

BERDENA "BERNIE" WELLS MULFORD

Iowa City

Berdena "Bernie" Wells Mulford, 94, of Iowa City, passed away at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics on Feb. 27, 2021, with her family by her side. Private family services are being planned with a public celebration of Bernie's life to be held at a later date this summer to be announced. Memorial donations can be made in her memory to the First United Methodist Church in Iowa City. To share a thought, memory or condolence with her family, please visit the funeral home website at www.gayandciha.com.

Bernie was born June 26, 1926, in Montezuma, Iowa, the daughter of Ralph and Stella Wells and sister to Twyla Brown. She married Kenneth Mulford on Dec. 21, 1947, at First United Methodist Church in Iowa City and had three children: Susan, Janet and James.

She graduated from the University of Iowa College of Nursing in 1948 and practiced for many years in pediatrics, OB/GYN and surgical oncology until her retirement.

She enjoyed golfing, bowling, playing bridge, and their couples' potluck group. She was an avid seamstress and crafter and made many gifts and crafts for her church and other organizations. Her most recent endeavor was leading the Dorcas quilting group at FUMC making prayer quilts for members of the congregation.

Bernie was an dedicated community volunteer. She was involved in the Rockin Readers at Robert Lucas Elementary, Pilot Club of Iowa City, American Legion Post 17 Auxilliary, Ladies Home Builders Auxilliary, and volunteered at Mercy Gift Shop. She was a Sunday school teacher and involved in numerous United Methodist Women groups at First United Methodist Church for many years.

She is survived by her children, Sue (Gene) Schroeder, Jan (Gary) Wilson and Jim (Kellie) Mulford; her sister, Twyla Brown; and nieces and nephews, Tracy Mulford, Valerie Porter, Brian (Becky) Brown and Craig (Penny) Brown. She was the proud "Grandma Bernie" of 10 grandchildren, Eric (Andrea) Schroeder, Megan (Chuck) Ikewood, Trent (fiancee Taylor Kress), Hillary Biancuzzo, Lindsay (Jason) Ellison, Evan Wilson, Matt (Laura) Wilson, Amy (Michael) Lackey, Justin (Lauren) Mulford and Tyler (Sami) Mulford. Her large family has 22 great-grandchildren, Tayte, Langstyn, Hayzel and Louys Schroeder, Chloe and Cooper Ikewood, Nick and Lucas Biancuzzo, Bruce and Declan Wilson, Reese, Drew and Ben Wilson, Wilson Hershman, Maria and Matthew Lackey, Hudson, Hensley, Peyton, Ava, Emma and Mack Mulford.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kenneth Mulford; and brother-in-law, Keith.

Bernie's family would like to thank everyone at Legacy Pointe Assisted Living, Iowa City; Crestview Specialty Care, West Branch; and University Hospitals and Clinics doctors and nurses for the excellent care that was provided to Bernie.