1916-2014 SOLON - Bertha Margaret Whitney, 97, died peacefully on Thursday, April 3, 2014, surrounded by her loving family. Bertha was born on Sept. 25, 1916, in Embden, the daughter of Chester and Gladys (Williamson) Williams. She married Leslie Gorham Whitney on Oct. 27, 1947. She graduated from Solon High School in 1934, and Colby Junior College, New London, N.H., in 1936. She was employed as a telephone operator until she married, raised her children, worked at Norrwock Shoe, in Skowhegan, and was Solon town clerk/tax collector for about 20 years before retirement. She was a member of Somerset Grange, Eastern Star, Somerset Extension Homemakers, the senior citizens club and was a Coolidge Library trustee. Bertha was an avid reader and gardener and enjoyed being at camp on Embden Lake in the company of her many grandchildren. She is survived by her daughter, Ann Padham, of Solon; son Brian Whitney, of North Anson; daughter Brenda Padham and husband Reggie, of Embden; daughter Holly Golden and husband Mike, of Solon; daughter Linda Steward and husband Ross, of Skowhegan; daughter Beth Orr and husband Harley, of Solon; daughter Ellen Manzer and husband Jerry, of Solon; and brother Robert Berry, of Embden; 12 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Leslie Whitney; her three brothers, Luis Williams, Daniel Williams and Level Berry Jr.; and three sisters, Helen (Williams) Huggins, Ada (Williams) Cheverie and Chestina (Williams) Beedy. A memorial service will be announced later. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bertha name to Coolidge Library, P.O. Box 238, Solon, ME 04976. A special thank-you to the staff of Maplecrest Rehabilitation and Nursing Home Facility, in Madison, for the care and comfort they provided our family during this process. Care has been provided by Giberson Funeral Home, Bingham.