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- [S927] Obituary.
Bertha L. Burkhart, 90, Woodsfield, died peacefully in her sleep on Sept. 7, 2011. She was born May 28, 1921 a daughter of the late George M. and Celia M. Burkhart Christman.
She grew up on the family farm near Miltonsburg, and graduated from Woodsfield High School in 1939. A devout Catholic all her life, she was a member of both St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Miltonsburg and St. Sylvester Catholic Church, Woodsfield. She sang in the choir at both churches. Everyone who knew her can remember hearing a song either sung or whistled from her lips.
She experienced many difficulties and tragedies during her life, but her faith always sustained her. She prayed the rosary every day, and the list of those she prayed for during her long life could fill volumes. She loved music and dancing.
Bertha L. Burkhart, 90, of Woodsfield, Ohio, died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, September 7, 2011. She was born May 28, 1921 to George M. and Celia M. Burkhart Christman. She grew up on the family farm near Miltonsburg, and graduated from Woodsfield High School in 1939. A devout Catholic all her life, Bertha was a member of both St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Miltonsburg, and St. Sylvester Catholic Church, Woodsfield. She sang in the choir at both churches. Everyone who knew her can remember hearing a song either sung or whistled from her lips. She experienced many difficulties and tragedies during her life, but her faith always sustained her. She prayed the rosary every day, and the list of those she prayed for during her long life could fill volumes. She loved music and dancing. Always one to speak her mind, Bertha was a regular contributor to newspaper letters to the editor, and wrote several accounts of community and family events from her early life. She also researched and compiled numerous genealogy books.
While in high school she met the love of her life, Michael N. Burkhart, with whom she sent letters back and forth while he was a student at The Ohio State University. Their dates always included ice cream. They were married October 15, 1941 in St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, Columbus, and shared over 53 wonderful years of marriage. Throughout her life, she always put the needs of her family before her own. Bertha knew the value of a strong work ethic, and passed it on to her children and grandchildren. She loved farm life and raising livestock with her beloved Michael. During her lifetime, she canned thousands of quarts of fruits and vegetables, and cooked more meals than can be determined for her large family.
In addition to her husband and her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter Rebecca, grandson Aaron Seesan, brother, Clarence Christman, and sisters Estella Baker, Leora Claus, infant sister Melinda and an infant brother.
She is survived by her children, Chester (Janet) Burkhart of Columbus, Ohio, Michael (Judy) Burkhart of Marion, Ohio, Daniel (Marianne) Burkhart of Marion, Ohio, Stephen (Diane) Burkhart of Woodsfield, Ohio, Chiquita (Thomas) Seesan of Massillon, Ohio, Damian ( and friend Sabine) Burkhart of Blacklick, Ohio, Jennifer (Jack) London of McLean, Virginia, Jane (Steve) Breece of Hilliard, Ohio, Lisa (Mark) Larey of Royal, Arkansas, Carol (Gerard) Hess of Columbus, Ohio, Edie (Paul) Busby of Delaware, Ohio, 25 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Bertha?s family will greet friends on Friday September 9th from 2:00?4:00 pm, and 6:00?9:00 pm at Watters Funeral Home, 37501 State Route 78 West, Woodsfield, Ohio 43793. The funeral liturgy with Mass will be held Saturday at 11:00 am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Miltonsburg, Ohio with Rev. Fr. David Gaydosik as the celebrant. Vigil services will be held at 8:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Sylvester School at 119 Wayne Street, Woodsfield, Ohio 43793.
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1921 - 2011 (90 years)