Bertha Vela de Rueda, age 61, passed away Saturday night, October 2, 2021, at her residence in Liberal, Kansas.

She was born on March 25, 1960, in Nicolas Romero, Durango, Mexico. The daughter of Francisco Vela Zuñiga and Teresa Cobarruvias Muñoz.

Bertha was very kind hearted, caring, funny, and cheerful, to say the least. She was very outgoing and spoke to anyone and everyone. It took hours to leave the store because she would stop and talk to everyone. It seemed like every weekend she was invited to parties because of the many people she knew. She was such a happy person with a smile always on her face and always cracking jokes. She was immensely strong and such a brave warrior. Her daughters felt beyond blessed to have had her as an extraordinary mother. Three of the most important life lessons that will remain ingrained forever by her own example and her husband’s, are the values, life skills, and the true meaning of family. Not only was she an outstanding mother, but also a loving wife and grandmother. She was such a blessing to be around and will be missed dearly. Anyone that had the opportunity to meet and interact with Bertha can attest to the contagious and joyful personality that she radiated in any room she was in.

Bertha had a very strong work ethic since the age of 14. She worked for almost 25 years at National Beef in Liberal.

On March 25, 1984, she married Manuel Rueda in Durango, Mexico. He survives.

She is survived by 2 daughters:

Noemi Romo married to Alfonso Romo of Liberal, Kansas

Abeline Rueda of Liberal Kansas

3 granddaughters: Magali Romo, Genesis Romo, and Melani Romo

Her Mother, Teresa who resides in Los Angeles, California

5 Brothers: Ismael Vela, Francisco Vela, Javier Vela, Rutilio Vela, and Hector Vela

2 Sisters: Graciela Vela and Irene Vela

Bertha was preceded in death by: her Father Francisco Vela Zuñiga, Brother Hector Vela, and a beloved Aunt, Angela Cobarruvias.

Visitation will be on Thursday, October 7, 2021, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Hornung Family Funeral Home, 1212 W 2nd Street, Liberal, Kansas 67901.

Rosary will follow at 7:00 pm at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church.

Funeral Mass will be at 10am, Friday, October 8, 2021, at the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church with Rev. Juan Salas officiating.

Burial will follow Mass at the Liberal Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hornungfuneralhome.com