Christine Louise Bertsch

Christine L. Bertsch, 78, a lifelong resident of Colorado, passed away peacefully at her home in Greeley, surrounded by family, on December 8, 2024. Born on May 13, 1946, Christine ("Chris") was the eldest of three siblings, with two younger brothers, Tom and David.

Chris enjoyed competitive swimming during her early school years and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1964. She attended the University of Colorado from 1964 to 1965, where she met her future husband, Sanford ("Sandy") Bertsch, on a blind date. In 1965, Chris began medical training at Swedish Medical Center and earned her certification as an x-ray technician in 1966, specializing in mammography. That same year, Chris and Sandy were married at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Denver. Their blind date blossomed into 58 years of love and partnership, which brought them two wonderful daughters, Carrie and Melissa.

During her time in Denver, Chris was an avid Jazzerciser for many years, where she built lasting friendships. In 1996, Chris and Sandy moved from Denver to Greeley to pursue new opportunities and be closer to her parents. It was then that Chris began to turn her attention and passion toward outdoor photography, capturing stunning images of Colorado’s wildlife and landscapes. Her talent for storytelling through photography was unmatched, and she and Sandy often explored the beauty of Colorado, and some of Wyoming by pop-up camper to be in the midst of photographic opportunities. In the latter years the picturesque landscape of Utah caught the focus of her lens. And in time, her focus turned toward her cherished grandson, Billy, who became her favorite subject and earned her the affectionate nickname "Grandma Flash." Her other favorite subject to photograph was her beloved dog, Max, who remained faithfully by her side up to and including her passing.

Chris never shied away from something new and exciting. From a short anniversary raft trip on the Colorado River, a zip-line challenge by the Royal Gorge, a week-long bicycle tour through North Carolina, a hot-air balloon ride for her birthday, parasailing high over ocean waters while on a cruise, to a tandem skydive out of a plane, she lived life to the fullest. She even held a small alligator in her bare hands and was "kissed" by a bear as it bit a marshmallow from her mouth.

Christine touched the lives of everyone she met and leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and a reminder to embrace both the simple and extraordinary moments of life.

Chris is survived by her devoted husband, Sanford ("Sandy") Bertsch; her daughters, Carrie Gibson (Andy Gibson) and Melissa Gray (Bill Gray); her cherished grandson, Billy Gray; her brother, Tom Wadlington (Sally Wadlington); her sister-in-law, Karen Wadlington; and her faithful dog, Max. She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond G. and Barbara J. Wadlington, and her youngest brother, David Wadlington.

The Memorial Service followed by a Celebration of Life has been postponed and will be rescheduled to a later different date & time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her name to the American Cancer Society at https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=default&lang=en