South Paris – Bertha Hersey Kimball, 86, of Waterford, died Friday, Oct. 26, at the Maine Veterans Home.

She was born in North Waterford on Feb. 10, 1921, the daughter of Wilfred and Ella Farnum Hersey. She attended school at Norway High School and Bridgton Academy.

Bertha married Merritt Kimball on June 17, 1939, and he recently predeceased her on July 29, 2004.

In her younger years, Bertha worked in local shoe shops. She then owned and operated with her husband, the Kimball Trading Post, in South Waterford, doing bookkeeping and helping customers. Bertha was well-known for her hospitality to their customers and had created many close friendships over the years. Above all, she was a devoted mother and grandmother to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bertha loved to travel and host family gatherings. She loved to go camping in her camper and loved to go fishing as well, especially on Lost Pond. She was an excellent seamstress and had braided many beautiful rugs.

She was well known for her cooking and never let anyone leave her home or the trading post wanting for food or a good cup of coffee.

Bertha loved gardening vegetables and fruit. She had a beautiful raspberry patch and several fruit trees.

She is survived by her three sons, Davis W. Kimball and wife, Sharon, of Waterford, Merritt S. Kimball and wife, Christine, of Waterford, and Winfield R. Kimball and companion, Nancy Gravier, of Bridgton; two daughters, Annette “Nettie” Bennett and husband, Alan, of Lovell and Elaine M. Kimball of Waterford; 11 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; a cousin, Richard Hersey and wife, Eleanor, of California; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband Merritt; and three sisters, Blanche Button, Marilla Allen and Sarah Andrews.