Bertha May Forward

Bertha May Forward, 98, of Three Rivers, Michigan, passed away on April 17, 2026.

Born on February 4, 1928, in Calhoun County, Michigan, Bertha was the daughter of Aaron Elsworth Munn and Mary Ann Katherine (Lutz) Munn. She was raised in Calhoun County and carried strong family values throughout her life.

On April 3, 1945, she married Irwin Elston “Pete” Forward. Together they built a life in Three Rivers, where they made their home on Buckhorn Road. Bertha was an active member of Center Park United Methodist Church.

Bertha was a devoted homemaker whose life centered around her family. She was known for her quiet strength, kindness, and unwavering dedication to those she loved.

She is survived by her children: Hal Forward, Ruth (Lynn) Smith, and Walter (Emilie) Forward; her sister, Elizabeth (Floyd) Willhoite; as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Irwin E. “Pete” Forward Jr.; her daughter, Dianne Hagenbuch; her son-in-law, Kurt Hagenbuch; her daughter-in-law, Mary Jean Forward; her grandchildren, Erika Bloomfield, Kerry Katt, and Lynn Smith Jr.; her stepmother, Doris Munn; her stepbrothers, Fred Christophel and Duane Christophel; and her parents.

Cremation has taken place, and her remains have been privately interred at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park South in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

While visiting Bertha’s webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook and/or share a memory with the family.

The family is being assisted by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 129 S. Grand St. Schoolcraft, MI 49087, (269 679-5622).