Bernice F. Dutton was born on April 2, 1927, in Byron, Nebraska, to Fred W. and Emma (Peters) Poppe. She was baptized on April 17, 1927, and confirmed in her faith on May 12, 1940, by Pastor O. W. Juengel. Bernice was a devoted member of St. John Lutheran Church for 85 years.

Bernice attended rural country school in Byron through the eighth grade. On April 27, 1950, she was united in marriage to Herman R. Dutton. Three children were born to this marriage.

Bernice dedicated 35 years of service to Blue Valley Lutheran Nursing Home. She was known for her love of her church, her family, her chickens, and her service to others.

Bernice always welcomed an extra guest at her dinner table, often saying, “Come on in, I’ll put on another tater.” She also had a reputation for being the best pie maker this side of the Mississippi.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Herman; her siblings, Luella Kapperman and husband Fred, Alvin Poppe and wife Betty, Norman Poppe and wife LaVila, Leora Grafelman and husband Clarence, and Willis Poppe; her grandson, Michael Berry; and her son-in-law, Edgar Berry.

Bernice is survived by her children, Kathryn Little and her husband Robert of Chester, Nebraska, David Dutton and his wife Mandy of Moberly, Missouri, and Susan Gardner and her husband James of Lincoln, Nebraska; 12 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and 8 great-great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law Helen Poppe.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, June 29, 2026, at Price Funeral Home in Hebron. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at St. John Lutheran Church in Chester, Nebraska, with Pastor Jacob Garrison officiating. Burial to follow at St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Chester. Memorials are designated to St. John Lutheran Church of Chester.