Berna Ann Waterhouse

Berna Ann Waterhouse, 80, formerly of Keota, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 1, 2025, at her home in Halcyon House in Washington, Iowa.

Born April 9, 1945, to Bernard W. And Opal L. (Robertson) Hahn in Washington, Iowa, Berna graduated from Keota High School in 1963. On October 25, 1963, she was united in marriage to James Lee Waterhouse in Iowa City, Iowa. Together they built a life on their family farm in the Dublin area, primarily on Hoot Owl Hollow, Keota, Iowa. Berna graduated from Iowa City Commercial College and worked for Iowa Gas and Electric until they started their family. She and Jim were blessed with four children: Lynnette Rachelle, Janette Cheri, James Matthew and Jon Robert. She was the steady force behind James Waterhouse Construction, working as bookkeeper, secretary, errand runner and any other task Jim needed. Once their children were grown, she re-entered the workforce spending several years at Latta Harris LLP, Washington and McGladrey & Pullen, Iowa City as a tax preparer.

Berna’s greatest joy in life was her family, and her love for them was fierce and unconditional. She dedicated her life to being a part of their adventures, and her love will forever be present and felt by those who knew her. A conversation with Berna was never a short one, as she treasured every moment with her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. She found immense joy in watching the little ones grow, and her kindness extended beyond her immediate family, she was known as “Grandma Berna” to all her grandkids’ friends, loving them as her own.

With a fun-loving and sometimes ornery spirit, Berna was always up for a good time. While her favorite pastime was attending family events, she also loved playing cards, visiting with friends, and listening to good music. She had a gift for making everyone feel welcome and cherished, and her memory will be a blessing to all who knew her.

Family who are left to carry on her legacy are daughters, Lynnette (Larry) Hultman, Jan (Dave Burbidge) Waterhouse, and son Jamey (Traci) Waterhouse; nine grandchildren, Alyssa (Jake) Slings, Justin (Allie) Hultman, Josh, Eva (Grace) and Ryan Burbidge, Austin (Maddie) Waterhouse, Tyler, Caleb and Tanner (Emily) Waterhouse; four great grandchildren, Willa and Stetson Slings and Jax and Graham Hultman; a sister Dana (Art) Peck; a brother, Tom Hahn and sisters-in-law, Joy (Keith) Bothell and Connie Waterhouse. Berna was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jim in 2021, son Jon in 2006, parents-in-law, Robert Sr. and Olletha Waterhouse, brothers-in-law, David Waterhouse, Robert Waterhouse Jr. and Denny Miller, nephews, Nickolas Peck, Jason Waterhouse and Eric Waterhouse.

Funeral services will be 10:00 am Thursday, August 7, 2025, at the Powell Funeral Home in Keota. Burial will be at Oak Ridge Cemetery near Dublin. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Powell Funeral Home in Keota. A general memorial has been established. Messages and tributes may be directed to www.powellfuneralhomes.com.