Bernita Louise Freeman, 59, Longtime Aberdeen resident and former Certified Nurse’s Aide, died Sunday, July 6, 2014 at Grays Harbor Community Hospital in Aberdeen.

Bernita was born on June 30, 1955 in Tacoma, WA to Frederick and Arliss (Snyder) Belles. They moved to Aberdeen a few weeks later and she graduated from Aberdeen’s Weatherwax High School in 1973.

In October of 1976, she married John J. Maki and they moved to Lacey. They returned to Aberdeen in 1980, and had two beautiful daughters together. They later divorced in 1985.

In February of 1986, Bernita married James (Jim) T. Freeman in Aberdeen, and were blessed with a beautiful baby boy in 1987. James and their son reside at the family home.

In 1997, they moved to Omak, WA. They returned in 2001.

Bernita worked at Pacific Care Center in Hoquiam for many years, retiring in 1989. She had also worked at Harbor Health Care in South Aberdeen as well as Grays Harbor Convalescent. She received her CNA at Panorama City in Lacey.

She enjoyed Camping, Fishing, Camping, sitting in front of the campfire, beading, and crocheting. Did we mention she loved camping? She was an avid lover of animals, especially poodles.

Bernita is survived by her husband, James T. Freeman of Aberdeen; her daughters: Tiffany B. Maki of Aberdeen and Heather D. (husband, James) Robarge of Olympia; a son, James D. Freeman of Aberdeen; Brothers: Fred Fell of Aberdeen, Dennis (wife, Tanya) Belles of Cosmopolis, and Jack (wife, Janet) Belles of Westport; a sister, Cheryl (husband, Stephen) Moore of Aberdeen; Foster sister, Rhonda Zelepuza of Aberdeen; a granddaughter, Pearl Juanita Robarge of Olympia, and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life, followed by a potluck reception will be held July 12, 2014 at 1:00 PM in the Aberdeen VFW Hall, Post 224.

In lieu of flowers at the service, the family would appreciate monetary gifts in Bernita's name to assist with funeral costs.

A message of condolence or of a memory can be sent to the family atwww.fernhillfuneral.com

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen.

Affiliations

Weatherwax High School Bobcats