Berni is the daughter of James Bernard Lyman, Nelda Lavern Cook and Ross Makenzie. She is survived by her sister, Velma Blake, husband Fred Wunderli, 5 children, 18 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
Berni and her two sisters, Velma and Leon were born in Teasdale, Utah where they pushed through the hardscrabble life like desert flowers, loving, laughing and living strong-willed against the elements. Their father Bernard died before Berni was born. Her mother, Nelda, married Ross Makenzie 6 years later and he became Daddy Ross to the girls. Berni talked often about the deep love she had for her sisters and for the extended family and friends that took care of the little family that had lost their father so young.
Berni married Fred Wunderli May 25th, 1956 in the Salt Lake Temple and together they had a rare love that carried them through 62 years of marriage, 5 children, 18 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. They travelled and talked, served all without judgment and loved all without reservation. Mom was and always will be the heart of our family, while dad will always be the head: wise and understanding. The Savior has always been their guide, their motto: "things will work out."
Berni will be remembered for raising children without raising her voice, serving in her Ward and Stake, teaching of Christ by living like Him, crying at her grandson's wrestling matches because she thought someone was getting hurt, volunteering at Primary Children's Hospital for twenty years--the same hospital she donated pennies to as a little girl, and where she took 16 Sudanese boys under her wing and made them part of our family, the closest being Jeremiah, our adopted brother. The grandkids will miss her laugh and unconditional love. The great-grandkids will miss her treat-fridge and watching birds with her in the backyard. We'll all miss her laughing at our foibles, cuddling babies, sleeping in one of our beds when we stayed out too late as teenagers, coming incognito to our high school Halloween parties and leaving the pantry door open for anyone who dropped by. Berni was everybody's mom. And she was mother to the 5 of us: Fred Jr., Stephen, David, James and Susan. We love you mom.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at 11am at the Cottonwood 14th Chapel, 2080 Donelson Lane (Highland Drive and 5165 South). Friends may call on Tuesday, February 27 from 6 to 8pm and Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:30am at the church.
