Gail C. Bertholf

Age 54, went to be with her Jesus on January 31, 2014. She is survived by her parents, Larry and Carol Bertholf; and her brother Gary Bertholf, all of Albuquerque. She is also survived by Ted and Lori Gamble of Vancouver, WA and Carmen and Kent Hoffman of Tipton, IA. Gail was a sweet girl, had a beautiful and infectious smile, was happy and delightful, and wanted to please others. She loved her family, her church, and all those associated with ARCA - especially those at her group home. She was loved by many. While we mourn her loss, we celebrate the end of her struggles and the joy she now has. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 4, 2014 at Trinity@The MarketPlace Church, 2520 Chama NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 with the Reverend Michael Kelshaw officiating. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Gail to either ARCA or Trinity@The MarketPlace. Gail had the sweet, simple faith of a child. She loved Jesus and knew that He loved her. She loved church and loved everyone there. She has always wanted to please everyone. Her needs were always very simple and she was delighted when even her most trivial needs were met. She was born with cerebral palsy but never questioned her fate and was never a victim. She was always happy and always looked on the bright side and thought everyone was her friend. Even during painful procedures or difficult times said she was happy. Her smile was bright and infectious-you had to smile back at her. She was sensitive to the needs of others and was most happy when she could help make others happy too. She innately knew that others liked her, and she loved to make others smile. She was a JOY to others. She loved her family, her ARCA group home and staff. She was always ready to come to her parent's home and also ready to go back to the group home. She liked to watch her "videos" and she always carried her CD player and her favorite country-western songs. Themes/Scriptures Gail Bertholf had the sweet, perfect, simple faith of a child. She was a Biblical example for us all. [Matt 18:1-5] We do not know how much time we have on earth. The Lord took Gail too quickly for us but we know that His will and His timing are perfect. [Ecc 3:1-2, Col 4:5-6] Even though she was afflicted her whole life on earth she will have a perfect body now. [I Cor 15:49-54] Gail knew how to be joyful in suffering and she never questioned her fate and never asked why! [Phil 3:10-11, Gal 2:20, II Cor 1:5] In her last days she would say, "Mom, it's no fun to be sick." Now she will have fun dancing with Jesus. [Ps 149:1-5]