Bernice Wathen

BERNICE L. WATHEN

Cedar Rapids

Bernice L Wathen, 81, of Cedar Rapids, died Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016, at St. Luke's Hospital.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21, at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. Visitation will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Interment will be in Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Bernice was born July 22, 1935, to Nathan and Ethal (Baker) Norton in Rowley, Iowa. She was united in marriage to Joe Richard Wathen on June 15, 1952, in Rowley. He preceded her in death on Jan. 2, 2016. In 1977, Joe and Bernice graduated from Rhema Bible School and began their lifelong ministry together.

Bernice worked as her husband's bookkeeper when Joe ran his large appliance repair service. According to her family, "Bernice held down the ship and Joe sailed it."

She loved sewing, camping, fishing and canning. Bernice had a green thumb and always enjoyed gardening. Bernice and Joe enjoyed birdwatching together and spending time outdoors. They loved taking camping trips with their family.

Her true joy came from sharing the Gospel alongside her husband, and spreading the message of hope found in Jesus Christ.

Bernice is survived by two children, Debbie Kimball of Cedar Rapids and Dennis (Shanna) Wathen of Grinnell; three grandchildren, Elizabeth (Charles) White of Cedar Rapids, Jennifer Lee Wathen of Iowa City and Amy Kirkpatrick of Kansas; three great-grandchildren, Christopher Kimball and Jonathan and Tyler Kirkpatrick; three great-great-grandchildren; as well as two sisters, Pauline Weber of Cedar Rapids and Jessie Mott of Waterloo.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Joe Wathen; and a sister, Nancy Leversee.

Memorial donations in Bernice's name may be directed to Love A Child, P.O. Box 60063, Fort Meyers, FL 33906.

Online condolences may be conveyed at www.cedarmemorial.com.