Bertha "Bert" Fritz

Klamath Falls resident Bertha Lee Fritz passed away on February 15, 2024, at the age of 87. She was born

in Friona, Texas on February 26, 1936, as her parents moved their family of 9 (and then 10) from

Waynoka, Oklahoma, to Ashland, Oregon.

At 15, Bert moved to Sparks, Nevada, to live with her sister and brother-in-law, Leta and Ira Ott, and

their four daughters, whom she viewed more like daughters than nieces. While enrolled at Sparks High

School, Bert met John Leland Fritz. The two fell in love and got married, spending the next 39 years

together until John passed. They had four children: Elisa, Scot, Laura, and Amy. The family lived in the

Reno/Sparks, Nevada area until 1972. They then purchased a large family farm in Macdoel, California.

This move made them farming neighbors with the Ott family. The Fritz family lived there for 18 years,

running a 1,200 acre farm. They produced grain, alfalfa, and a prized herd of Registered Polled Herefords.

Bert was a dedicated mother, housewife, and ranch hand. Despite her busy schedule, she still found time

to pursue her love of flower gardening.

Bert went on to move to Klamath Falls where she purchased her own home near some of her children.

She worked for the City of Klamath for several years before retiring in 2006. In retirement, she began

volunteering at the local medical center as a member of the Hospital Guild where she established many

friendships. She was still passionate about gardening and took great pride in caring for her yard all

summer long.

Bert is survived by three of her children (Scot Fritz and his wife Kelley, Laura La Brie, and Amy Fritz) and

four grandchildren (Zach, McKenna, Cole, and Kylie). Bert was preceded in death by her parents, seven

siblings, husband John, and daughter Elisa Olson.

The family wishes to thank the Pacifica Assisted Living staff for their incredible care over the last 4 years,

with special acknowledgment for the compassion shown in her final days with them. They would also

like to express sincere appreciation for Klamath Hospice and their support.

A memorial gathering will take place on March 16, 2024 at Lakeview Cemetary in Macdoel, California.