Newport_- Bertha S. Bean, 85, wife of the late Arthur W. Bean, died April 3, 2004, at a Bangor_hospital, after a brief illness. She was born Jan. 13, 1919, at Skowhegan, a daughter of Clifton_and Blake (Reed) Lancaster. She graduated from Skowhegan_High School, Class of 1937, worked briefly at a dry cleaning business in Skowhegan, and married Arthur on Aug. 27, 1939. She was a lifelong homemaker living most of her life in Newport. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by a son, Donald, Sr.; and a brother, Wayland Lancaster. Bertha was named after her grandmother, Bertie M. Reed_of Lincoln, and greatly enjoyed visiting with her during the summers when she was young. She is survived by two sons, David and his wife, Nancy Bean, of Lincoln, and James Bean of Newport; a daughter-in-law, Rebecca Bean of Corinna; two grandchildren, Donald Bean Jr. and Angela Barnes; and one great-granddaughter, Brianna Bean. There will be no public visitation. A public graveside funeral and committal service will be held at the family lot, Fairview Cemetery, Canaan, later in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are by Crosby & Neal Funeral Home, 117 Main St., Newport.