Ernestine Mae Berkey, 81, of Arcadia, Kansas died at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Prairie Mission Retirement Center at St. Paul, Kansas.

Mrs. Berkey was born April 19, 1945, at Arcadia, Kansas the daughter of John H. and Goldie Bessie Kimes Ward. She worked at Krectchmer and Peerless before retiring. Ernestine was a very friendly, happy, pleasant lady who knew no stranger and if she was able she would help anyone in need. She loved her all her animals Buddy, Athena, Apollo, and KiKi her cat. She also loved her family, friends, her church, and most of all JESUS. She will be sadly missed. She married Forrest Alan Berkey and he survives at the home. She was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church in Pittsburg. Survivors include her husband, Forrest of the home, a daughter, Angela Ward (Bill) Redd of Pittsburg, and two grandchildren, Kristen and Bethany Redd. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Goldie Ward, two sisters, Glady Eileen Wheeler and Ruby Fern Van Dusen and three brothers, Johnnie Joe Ward, Billy Eugene Ward, and Donald Ray Ward.

Mrs. Berkey has been cremated. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 30, 2026, at the Pittsburg Garden of Memories Cemetery with Rev. Tom Wehrman officiating. Burial of the cremains will follow the memorial services. We would like to give special thanks to all the staff at Prairie Mission Village and the Harry Hynes Hospice especially nurse Bailey for all their care and support who cared for Tina. Arrangements are under the direction of the Bedene Funeral Home, 517 E. Washington, Box 621, Arma, Kansas 66712.