NILES - Bertha Irene Strock, 89, passed away peacefully at 8:00pm, Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at St. Joseph Health Center. Bertha was born in Indiana, Pennsylvania on August 1, 1927 the daughter of Eugene Arthur and Flora Viola (Grove) Russell Sr. and came to this area many years ago.
Bertha was a high school graduate, longtime member of the Niles First Baptist Church, a sales consultant in the mens department at the former Carlisle Department Store. After her retirement, Ward and Bertha volunteered at Clyderhurst Christian Ranch in Montana, then for 12 years, during the winter months, with Teen Missions in Merritt Island, Florida, where she used her puppet making skills. For 16 years, during the summer months, they volunteered at Camp Patmos, Kelley's Island on Lake Erie where she became famous for her Bertha's Bread. There is a cabin named Strock Lodge honoring Ward and Bertha for their many years of service at Patmos.
She is survived by her husband Ward Eugene Strock whom she married June 23, 1951, three daughters and two sons: Debra Lynne Strock of Kentwood, Mi., Mark Eugene (Elizabeth) Strock of Highlands Ranch, Co., Steven Leroy (Christie) Strock of Helena, Mt., Laurie Sue Strock with whom she made her home, Jeanine Anne Strock of Kentwood, Mi., six grandchildren, Sarah (Sean) Shallbetter, Erik Strock, Jeffrey Strock, Bradley Strock, Gregory Strock, and Jessica Strock. Two sisters, Edna Pearl (Edwin) Wiggins of Mineral Ridge, and Emilie Frances Smith of Belle Vernon, Pa., and being one of ten children there are many nieces and nephews.
Bertha was preceded in death by five sisters and two brothers, Mabel Agnes Balzer, Margaret Grace Myers, Eugene Arthur Russell Jr., Marian Elizabeth Carpenter, Mary Lucinda Wilson, Lillie Viola Goss, and Robert Lewis Russell.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, July 29, 2017 at the Niles First Baptist Church where family and friends may call one hour before the services. Rev. G. Ben Reed will officiate.
Material contributions, in her memory, may be made to Camp Patmos, 920 Monagan Road, Kelley's Island, Ohio 43438.
Funeral arrangements are by Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Bertha Irene Strock, please visit our floral store.