Bernita Mae Ala

February 28, 1921 — September 17, 2025

La Cygne, Kansas

Bernita Mae Ala, age 104, La Cygne, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, September 17, 2025. She was born on February 28, 1921 in Miami County, Kansas, the daughter of John and Letha Endecott McDonald. She was united in marriage to George Ala on February 28, 1943, in Mound City, Kansas.

Together George and Bernita had two children. Their son, Steven Lee was born on February 24, 1951. 10 years following, their daughter Melody Jean was born March 2, 1961. George preceded Bernita in death on February 3, 2005.

Bernita was was a member of the La Cygne United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women. She was also involved in many other activities and committees in the church. Bernita will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and a faithful servant to the Lord. She had a quiet strength. She never complained and always had the most grateful heart.

She served as a 4-H Leader and was a member of the Order of Eastern Star Swan Chapter #311. She loved spending time with family and friends. She spent countless Saturdays in the senior center with her friends playing cards. She enjoyed spending time outside, playing bunko, ceramics, sewing, baking, hosting family dinners, gardening, and journaling. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Melody Troth, on March 5, 2017; three brothers, Lester, Charles, and Harold McDonald; and two sisters, Helen Grahn and Velda Molotsky.

Bernita is survived by a son, Steven Ala and wife Jeannine; son-in-law, Danny Troth; two grandchildren, Jordan Troth and wife Michelle, and Caitlin Burton and husband Kurtis; and four great-grandchildren, Jaxson Burton, Jayden Troth, Maverick Troth, and Gracelynn Burton.

The family wishes to extend a thank you to anyone who helped care for Bernita, especially her long-term care givers, Doris McElreath, Carol Stainbrook, Kelly Burton, Beverly Rhynerson, Diana Self, Kathy Talbot, Jana Stanage, and Janet Reese.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at the La Cygne United Methodist Church. Burial in the Louisburg Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 23, at the Schneider Funeral Home, La Cygne Chapel. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.

(Published in the Linn County Journal on September 19, 2025.)