September 19, 2025

Linn County News

Published September 24, 2025

Bernita Mae Ala, age 104, La Cygne, Kan., passed away Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. She was born on Feb. 28, 1921, in Miami County, Kan., the daughter of John and Letha Endecott McDonald. She was united in marriage to George Ala on Feb. 28, 1943, in Mound City, Kan. Together George and Bernita had two children. Their son, Steven Lee, was born on Feb. 24, 1951. Ten years following, their daughter Melody Jean was born March 2, 1961. George preceded Bernita in death on Feb. 3, 2005.

Bernita was a member of the La Cygne United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women. She was also involved in many other activities and committees in the church.

Bernita will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and a faithful servant to the Lord. She had a quiet strength. She never complained and always had the most grateful heart. She served as a 4-H Leader and was a member of the Order of Eastern Star Swan Chapter #311. She loved spending time with family and friends. She spent countless Saturdays in the senior center with her friends playing cards. She enjoyed spending time outside, playing bunko, ceramics, sewing, baking, hosting family dinners, gardening, and journaling.

She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Melody Troth on March 5, 2017; three brothers, Lester, Charles, and Harold McDonald; two sisters, Helen Grahn and Velda Molotsky. Bernita is survived by a son, Steven Ala and wife Jeannine; son-in-law, Danny Troth; two grandchildren, Jordan Troth and wife Michelle, and Caitlin Burton and husband Kurtis; and four great grandchildren, Jaxson Burton, Jayden Troth, Maverick Troth, and Gracelynn Burton. The family wishes to extend a thank you to anyone who helped care for Bernita, especially her long term care givers, Doris McElreath, Carol Stainbrook, Kelly Burton, Beverly Rhynerson, Diana Self, Kathy Talbot, Jana Stanage, and Janet Reese

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, at the La Cygne United Methodist Church. Burial in the Louisburg Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23 at the Schneider Funeral Home, La Cygne Chapel. Memorial contributions are suggested to Melody Troth Leadership Scholarship or La Cygne United Methodist Church. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.