Bertha N. Friend

The earthly journey of  Bertha N. Friend,  96, is complete. Her redeemed soul peacefully went to her creator on Wednesday,  July 27, 2016.

Born November 24, 1919, near Custar, OH, she was the daughter of Bert E. and Elnora Harbaugh Needham.  She was the loving wife of Harland R. Friend for 64 years. She was a dedicated homemaker, faithfully raising her children.  Kindness was her nature and generosity her gift.  She excelled in sewing, quilting and knitting and has left behind many items for her family to treasure.

Bertha was a helpmate to her husband as he pastored churches in Prattville, MI, Macungie, PA, Koloa, HI, and Cleveland, OH.  She assisted him when he was the administrator of Day View Care Center of New Carlisle, OH, and Hilty Memorial Home of Pandora, OH.    She was a fiscal officer for Ohio Counsel on the Aging,  PSA3, until retiring at the age of 76.  She was a member of the Pandora Missionary Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, brothers Ray and Robert Needham of Kenton, OH, and granddaughter, Jennifer Schnabel. Survivors include her son,  Arland  'Bud' (Judy) of Emmaus, PA; daughters, Theta ( Dale Fink), of Simpsonville, SC, and Gwynna (Jay Slough),  of Lebanon, OH; four grandchildren; and twelve great grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Junior Friend; and nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at The North Mt. Zion Church, 22857 State Rt 15, Continental, OH, Sunday, July 31, at 2 p.m.  Her funeral will follow at 3 p.m. with Pastor Michael Mortensen officiating.  Interment will be in the church cemetery immediately thereafter.

Arrangements are under the direction of HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Continental where condolences can be expressed at: www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com.