Bertha Cuff

Born July 30, 1933, in Chassell, a daughter of Kuno and Martha (Hendrickson) Huhta, Bertha was raised on the family strawberry farm in Chassell. She attended the local school and graduated from Chassell High School on May 24, 1950.

On May 11, 1953, Bertha was united in marriage to Thomas J. Cuff in Hancock. Together, the couple made their first home in Hancock and began raising a family. During this time, Tom was employed with the City of Hancock Police Department and Bertha took on the role of a stay-at-home wife, mom, and homemaker. When Tom accepted a position as a corrections officer at the Marquette Branch Prison the family moved to Marquette, residing on Michigan Street. Subsequently, a home was built on Lakewood Lane with the family relocating there and the addition of other children. Tom retired in January of 1981 and passed away in March. Possessing the strong Finnish characteristic of Sisu, Bertha exhibited her extraordinary determination, resilience, and perseverance by entering the workforce. Over the years she was employed as a cook at the Marquette Golf Course, Coachlight Restaurant, worked at SCI Janitorial, and finally was employed as a cook at the Windmill Lanes from where she retired. She kept busy.

In her leisure, she was an avid bowler and belonged to several local bowling leagues, primarily at the Olympic and Windmill Lanes. Both she and Tom served as junior bowling coaches and for many years Bertha served as the association secretary. She was even featured on Green Bay television in bowling competition and was in the first class to be inducted into the Bowler’s Hall of Fame at River Rock Lanes in Ishpeming. She was an awesome mom and other leisure activities included reading and knitting afghans and baby sweaters for her grandbabies. She was a hard worker who never complained because she always found something to keep her busy. She lived at Lost Creek until the age of 90, drove until 89, and was a very independent and strong mom. She lived a good life. Bertha was also a devoted fan of the Detroit Red Wings and Tigers.

Survivors include her children, Kathy (Pat) Malay, Deanna (Greg) Adams, and Carol (Mike) York; daughter-in-law, Gayle Cuff; her dear grandchildren, Tina (John) Hust, Mathew Adams, Danielle (Keith Bradybaugh) Malay; Caitlin (Tyler) York-Benton, Lindsay (Cullen) Wookey Justin York, and Darryn (Erin) Adams; special granddaughter, Di Windahl; great-grandchildren, Andrew Hust, Ashlee (Justin) Wiser, Hunter Bradybaugh, Blake York-Benton, Lacey York-Benton Tanner Adams, and Nash Adams; great great-grandchildren, Tinley, Lexie, and Maci Wiser. Also surviving are sisters-in-law, Lala Huhta and Shirley Huhta; numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Tom, in 1981; Bertha was preceded in death by a son, Thomas Cuff in February 2021; and brothers, Ted, Rueben, Wesley, and Clifford Huhta; and sister-in-law, Joanne Huhta.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of the Marquette County Medical Care Facility for the wonderful, compassionate care they provided our mother for the last six months. Thanks also for the many kindnesses extended to our family.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services on Friday, January 3, beginning at 12:00 noon until the time of service at 1:00 pm. Rev. Greg Heikkala will officiate. A reception will be held in the funeral home reception room. Interment will be made in the Holy Cross Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the Activity Fund at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility, 200 Saginaw Street, Ishpeming, MI 49849.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.