Bertie Tilberg

(From Parker Mortuary)

Bertie Mae Tilberg, 95, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away Monday, April 20, 2026, in the comfort of her home at Wildwood Assisted Living, where she was cherished and loved by both residents and staff as she continued to share her kindness and faith with those around her.

Bertie was born November 18, 1930, in Spiro, Oklahoma, the eldest of seven daughters born to Frank and Iris (Darcy) Phelan. From an early age, she embodied a spirit of faith, service, and resilience—qualities that remained hallmarks of her life.

At the age of 18, Bertie married Norman “Tuffy” Jarrett. Together they raised four sons—Scott, Jay, Frankie, and Brady—on their family farm, building a home rooted in hard work, love, and devotion. Bertie was widowed at just 34 years old. Two years later, she married Frank Albertini, owner of the Ford Implement Dealership in Chetopa. Through this union, she embraced two adult children, Frank Louis Albertini and Teresa Held. Bertie and Frank shared 26 years of marriage before his passing.

After spending several years in Columbus, Bertie met and married Alden “Swede” Tilberg. The couple made their home in Loma Linda, Missouri, where they enjoyed 12 years together before his passing in 2011. In 2019, Bertie moved to Wildwood Senior Living, where she quickly became an active and valued part of the community.

Bertie dedicated her professional life to caring for others. She attended nursing school at Pittsburg State University, earning her Registered Nurse degree. Her career included service as a home health nurse, private practice nurse for local physicians, and a nurse at the Baxter Springs Hospital. Her commitment to healthcare extended beyond her daily work, as she also served on the Parsons Hospital Board, advocating for compassionate and quality patient care.

A servant of Christ since the age of five, Bertie’s faith was the foundation of her life. She was a devoted and active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Joplin, where she found community, strength, and purpose.

Bertie was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Iris Phelan; her husbands, Norman Jarrett, Frank Albertini, and Swede Tilberg; two sons, Frankie Jarrett and Brady Jarrett; three sisters, Jan Phelan, Amy Heavin, and Maudie Stoltenberg; and a grandson, Lucas Jarrett.

She is survived by her children: Norman Scott Jarrett (Debbie) of Baxter Springs; Clifford Jay Jarrett of Columbus; Frank Louis Albertini (Janine) of Chetopa; and Teresa Held (Fred) of Overland Park. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Mardi Ross, Ross Albertini, Ryan Held, Macy Crossland, Andy Jarrett, Diana Harrington, Jessica Marvel, Travis Jarrett, Coty Jarrett, Molly Jarrett, Blair Messina, Joel Jarrett, and Dustin Jarrett; along with many great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Geneva Montgomery of Galena, Illinois; Eva Alley of Lawrence, Kansas; and Bonnie Holle of Rolla, Missouri; along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family would like to request donations be made out to the St. Mary’s Building Fund.

Services will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Joplin, with a family led rosary at 9:00 a.m., followed by Mass at 10:00 a.m.

Family burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Columbus, Kansas.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.