Bernice Marie Woodworth Custer

Bernice Marie Woodworth Custer comfortably passed away in her Rainbow home on Wednesday, May 18, 2016, at the age of 90. She was born February 2, 1926, in Detroit, Mich., daughter of John Alvah and Lily Henrietta Ingaborg Nelson Woodworth.

Bernice was a military wife, mother, secretary, and doctor's receptionist. She was a very talented artist who worked in various mediums including paint and clay. Bernice helped build airplanes during WWII. She sewed many of her clothes as well as her children's, and also enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, growing shade trees as well as fruits and vegetables.

Bernice and her husband, Bob, purchased 20 acres in Rainbow in 1961, farmed it, built a home, and had been full-time residents since 1971.

Bernice was preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert E. Custer; her parents; sister, Yvonne A. Woodworth; grandson Michael Custer; and great-grandson Ryan Hartman.

She is survived by her five children and their spouses: Linda (Randy) Hartman, Robert (Susie) Custer, Diana (Thomas) Raidy, David (Cindy) Custer, and John (Susan) Custer; 10 grandchildren and their spouses: Robert (Caryn), Jennifer (Scott), Jeffrey, Kristy, Stephanie (Thomas), Gregory (Sara), Robyn, Kathryn (James), Eric (Tamara), and Allen; and eight great-grandchildren: Caralyn, Cathryn, Max, Cristyn, Amelia, Alexander, Phoenix, and Jameson.

Services will be private. The Custer family would like to thank Marie and Ingrid for their faithful devotion and care of Bernice. The family also wishes to thank Mission Hospice nurses, chaplain, doctors, and many staff members for their complete attention to Bernice's needs and support given to the family members. It was a true blessing to know Bernice had the best care possible, by people who truly cared for her.