Bernita Henrietta Dunham, 83, died at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, August 2, 2012 at Des Peres Hospital in St. Louis County, Mo.

She was born in Hardin, Il., on  Sept. 24, 1929, and was one of nine children born to the late Spencer & Minnie (Blackorby) Long Sr.

Bernita grew up in Calhoun County, and attended country schools in the Hamburg area.  She married Joseph H. Dunham on Nov. 4, 1951 at the Fieldon United Church of Christ, and together they have shared nearly 62 years together.

Bernita & Joe spent the majority of their married life in the Fieldon area, until her health necessitated a move to Jerseyville.   She was a member of the Fieldon United Church of Christ and was a loving wife, mother & grandmother.

Surviving are her husband, Joseph Dunham of Jerseyville; four daughters & sons in law, Cathy & Mike Chontofalsky of Centralia, Cindy & Rod Jackson of Grafton, Jeanelle & Rob Jordan of Jerseyville, and Joetta & Brian Waters of Elsah; 12 Grandchildren, Michelle, Karen, Sara, Josh, Nichol, Jessica, Cody, Kyle, Stephen, James, Brennan & Brandon; two great grandchildren, Nolan & Korby; four brothers, Paul Long and Spencer Long Jr. both of Jerseyville, Howard Long of Hardin and Herb Long of Milton; three sisters, Betty Fugate of Dow, Joyce Bland of Kampsville, and Lois Charlton of Mozier.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant son, Randall Joseph Dunham, and a brother, Edward Long.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m., Tuesday.  Rev. Barbara Alley will officiate.

Burial will be in the Gunterman Cemetery in Fieldon.

Memorials may be given to the Fieldon United Church of Christ.