Bertha M Thomas

Bertha M. Thomas, 91, (lifelong resident of Perrysburg) passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 30, 2013 at the Manor of Perrysburg. Bertha was born July 4, 1921 to Elmer and Josephine (Borck) Heilman. She graduated from Perrysburg High School in 1939. Bertha attended DiSalle’s College in Toledo, and then moved to Washington DC for a short time where she worked at the Library of Congress. Bertha married Bob, the love of her life, on April 27, 1942. They shared sixty-six wonderful years of marriage together before Bob passed away in 2008. Bertha was one of the sweetest, most unselfish, caring people that you would ever meet. Her smile could change your day. She was always happy to see you and share a conversation. Being a wife, mother, and grandmother was Bertha’s greatest joy. She was the heart and soul of her family. Over the years, Bertha and her husband, Bob, shared many adventures. They loved to travel our beautiful country on road trips together. They especially loved traveling to Florida and seeing the Tetons in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. They spent many hours sailing together on the Maumee River. Bertha and Bob were members of the Perrysburg Boat Club, where they spent 40 years sailing and socializing with family and many close friends. She was honored to be the first woman secretary/treasurer for the Perrysburg Boat Club, which opened doors for women to have elected positions in the future. Almost five years ago, Bertha moved to The Manor of Perrysburg where she enjoyed making new friends and participating in many activities. Her family would like to sincerely thank the amazing staff at The Manor for always taking such wonderful care of Bertha over the years. Special thanks to Dischell and Lori. Bertha is survived by her children, Stephen (Sue Ann) Thomas of Bowling Green, OH, David (Priscilla) Thomas of Perrysburg, OH, and Kathy (Richard) Bedee of Perrysburg, OH; grandchildren, Shanda Thomas, Bill (Tangy) Thomas, Mike (Jessica) Thomas, Aaron Bedee, Sarah Bedee, Brett Thomas, and Todd Kish; great-grandchildren, Tyler, Lyndsey, Natalie, Landon, and Benjamin. Bertha was preceded in death by her husband (Bob), her parents, her in-laws (Percy and Nina Thomas), and brother-in-law (Gordon Thomas). Friends will be received Sunday, April 7, 2013, from 4-8 pm in the Witzler-Shank Funeral Home, 222 E. South Boundary St., Perrysburg, Ohio (419-874-3133), where a scripture service will begin at 7:00 pm, prayers will be held at 9:45 am on Monday, April 8, 2013 with funeral services to follow at St. Rose Church 10:30 am. 215 E. Front St., Perrysburg, Ohio. Burial will follow at Fort Meigs Union Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider St. Rose Church or The Manor of Perrysburg (activities fund). Condolences may be made to the family online at: www.witzlershankfuneralhome.com