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Bernice Beightler, 100, of Bellefontaine, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2016, in Vancrest of Urbana.
She was born at her country farm home in Union County near Milford Center on Aug. 12, 1916, a daughter of the late Henry and Marie Bishop Wolff.
On Dec. 24, 1935, she married Clarence Dorland Beightler at the Trinity Lutheran parsonage in Marysville, and he preceded her in death on Feb. 21, 2004, after 68 years of marriage. She is also preceded in death by her son-in-law, Dr. Richard Traul in 2015, and a sister, Frances Corcoran.
She is survived by two daughters, Joyce Ritter of Bellefontaine and Nancy Traul of Urbana, formerly of Bellefontaine; grandchildren, Anne (T.J.) Fitzpatrick of Bellefontaine, Michael (Traci) Ritter of Powell, Dr. John (Abigail) Traul of Roseburg, Ore., Suzanne (Nick) Selvaggio of Urbana and Dr. David (Dr. Christine) Traul of Cleveland; great-grandchildren, Hannah and Rachel Ritter, Zachary and Zoe Traul, Stephanie and Anna Selvaggio and Andrew and Lauren Traul; and a sister, Mildred Harkrader.
Bernice attended Irwin Grade School and graduated from Milford Center High School and then continued her education at Bliss Business College in Columbus. She was employed as an insurance clerk for various hospitals and physicians. She was a long-time member of the First Lutheran Church, Bellefontaine, and the Women’s Faith Circle.
She also was a 70-year member and Past Matron of Mary Chapter 9, Order of the Eastern Star, a member of Fidelis Circle of Kings Daughters and a life member of Mary Rutan Hospital Guild. She enjoyed knitting, sewing, reading and eating at family gatherings as well as attending the county fairs and watching her granddaughters show their horses, school events, soccer games and high school graduations. A most wonderful celebration took place Aug. 13, 2016, in honor of her 100th birthday which reunited her with many friends she made over the years. Her most precious moments were the time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Pastor Cheryl Siegenthaler officiates a funeral service at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 26, at the First Lutheran Church, 208 W. Sandusky Ave., Bellefontaine. Calling is one hour prior to the service in the Welcoming Lounge at the church. Burial follows in Bellefontaine Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Lutheran Church, Bellefontaine.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the wonderful caring and loving staff at Vancrest of Urbana, the former High Street neighbors and close friends for all of their unwavering care and support throughout her long life.
Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine, assisted the family with arrangements and condolences may be expressed at www.edsfh.com.