Bernardine Gernerose Dial

Bernardine Marie Gernerose Dial entered into rest October 3, 2024 after 93 years of blessing. Her many roles in life she played very well. As “Daughter”, she was born to Carl and Lucille Litsch in Nazareth, Texas on March 2, 1931. Her family moved to NM when she was 8. They lived in Tucumcari, Pedernal and Estancia. She graduated from Estancia High School in 1948. She was raised with a strong, ethical standard and gave her best to everything she did. She was “Sister” to Francis Litsch, Gerald Kemper and Anita Dial, all who have preceded her in death. She became “Wife” to Ralph Dial, September 5, 1948. They were married 60 years before he preceded her in death December 7, 2008. Her “Mom” role started with the birth of her daughter Catherine and continued as she and Ralph opened their home to 11 foster children and several international students.16 nieces and nephews, plus lots of great nieces and nephews, called her “Aunt”. She was proud of and enjoyed them all. Catherine’s marriage to Sam Pope, her favorite son in law, in 1967 and made her “Grandmother” to Mark Pope and wife Kim, Jeremy Pope and wife Alicia, and Clay Pope and wife Larrissa. She loved family gatherings and celebrations. Soon, “Great Grandmother” to 12 became her new role. Mark and Kim have 4 daughters-Stephanie, Kayla, Maria and Sarah. Jeremy and Alicia have 2 daughters- Tara, Jaime and 2 sons; Luke and Colin. Clay and Larrissa have 2 daughters-Stacy, Siara and 2 sons Caleb and Gabriel. She loved playing board and card games with them and especially winning at Yahtzee and Skip-Bo.  As life moved forward, she was “Great, Great Grandmother to 12 busy little ones-Allison, Azaraya, Peyton, Meyson, Morgan, Jemma, Emma, Adeline, Baxter, Carter, Charlotte and Harper with 4 on the way. She was Great, Great, Great Grandmother to Mason. A “Friend” to so many, she was generous, encouraging and full of fun. Her Bobbsey Twin, Gloria Pohl, was her partner in crime and mischief. Between the growing and busy family times, she was “Community Servant” through many service organizations. She served the American Legion Auxiliary in many local, district and state offices and was an enthusiastic Girl’s State volunteer. She served on the board and as volunteer for Bethel Community Storehouse. She served as Torrance County Treasurer, as poll worker for elections, and was a leader for the Estancia Alumni Association among numerous other activities. She was always willing to help and serve. As “Woman of Faith,” she and Ralph served as lay ministers in mission outreaches in San Antonio, Ewing, McIntosh and Willard. They shared music with nursing home residents, churches and gospel outreaches. She served faithfully at Estancia First Baptist Church in several offices. She prayed every day for her large, beautiful family and in her last days she shared with everyone willing to listen how very blessed she was. Services will be at First Baptist Church, Estancia, October 9, 2024 at 2:00PM for viewing and service at 2:30PM with interment at the Estancia Cemetery. Hills and valleys came her way, but she met them with strength and joy. Blessed with a long and good life, she was loved and will be missed as we look forward to seeing her again on that great reunion day with our Lord.

Please send donations to New Mexico Baptist Children’s Home, PO Box 629, Portales, NM 88130. Thanks