Bertha “Dede” Steward, 98, of Sweet Home, passed away Thursday at Twin Oaks Rehab. She was born in Mineral, California to Arba A. and Amelia (Herrick) Steward. Dede lived in Paradise, CA for most of her life and came to Sweet Home 14 years ago. She and her family became Seventh Day Adventists when Dede was just 16 years old, and she remained a strong believer for her entire life, even following a vegetarian diet before it became the “thing” to do.

She worked as a cook at the Feather River Hospital in Paradise, CA for over 15 years. Dede enjoyed gardening, but loved her roses. She always stopped to smell the roses. Dede loved cooking for her friends and family. Even though she didn’t have children she was a “mom” to her nieces and nephew and was the only mom Tara, her grandniece, ever knew. She was a very loving and selfless person, always thinking of other’s needs first, never expecting anything in return.

Dede is survived by her grand niece, Tara Arneson of Salem, who Dede raised from birth. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Byron Steward; sisters, Laura Konradi, and Lenora Lambie who Dede took care of until her death in 1982.

Private services will be held in Sweet Home with inurnment at Paradise Cemetery in Paradise, California.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet Home Funeral Chapel.