Berneta Louise Savage Feld, 94, passed away quietly on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2015, in Pocatello, Idaho. Berneta was born in Declo, Idaho on Feb. 18, 1921, to Richard Matthew Savage and Sarah Louise Willey; she was the eldest of six children.
Despite lacking electricity in her early childhood home, Berneta developed a lifelong love of reading by the light of a coal oil lamp. Berneta’s intelligence was noticed at a young age: When she completed second grade in Aberdeen, Berneta’s teachers bumped her up to the fourth grade. At age sixteen, she was the youngest to graduate from her high school in 1938.
Berneta often said she could never understand being bored because there were always new things to do or learn; she could never be idle for very long. Berneta’s passion for reading and learning endured throughout her life. She continued to read at least three books each week until just before her passing.
While visiting her grandparents, Berneta met O.E. “Elmer” Feld. They fell in love and married on Nov. 26, 1938. Throughout their marriage, Elmer and Berneta enjoyed some memorable times together. They spent summers in their Island Park cabin and winters in their Needles, CA home. They were especially fond of traveling and playing golf together.
Both Elmer and Berneta had grown up with a strong work ethic, and they worked hard throughout their marriage. Berneta saw hard work and trials as learning experiences that made her stronger. Ultimately, Elmer and Berneta purchased a farm from their employer, Mr. Herb Lowe. They acquired several other farms over time, but this farm was their home for over sixty years. Berneta continued to live in the farmhouse following Elmer’s death, until just a few weeks before she passed.
Berneta’s greatest love was her family. She and Elmer were blessed with six children: Myrna Duffin (John), Mike, Penni Wride (Steve), Candy Seal (Ed), Jeff Feld (Renee), and Todd Feld (Judy). Berneta was a devoted, loving wife and mother. Her children hold dear the memories of her always praising, encouraging, and supporting them. Berneta always put the needs of others ahead of her own, even in her last days.
Berneta was preceded in death by her husband, her five siblings, her parents, her son Mike, her son-in-law John Duffin, and her granddaughter Andrea Duffin. Berneta is loved and survived by five children, 21 grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren, and 25 great-great grandchildren.
Berneta never stopped learning or looking forward to the next new experience. She enjoyed gardening and continued to work in her gardens and yard through this last summer. It was her wish to not be buried on a cold, winter day. On a warm and sunny day next spring, her family and friends will gather at the Aberdeen Cemetery to honor her.
Berneta’s family appreciates and thanks the staff at Copper Summit and Dr. Mills for their kind attention to Berneta, as well as Davis-Rose Mortuary for their assistance in handling the details of her passing. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.davisrosemortuary.com.
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