Bernice Beightler

Bernice Beightler, 100, of Bellefontaine passed away Tuesday, August 23, 2016 in Vancrest of Urbana.

She was born at her country farm home in Union County, Ohio near Milford Center on August 12, 1916, the daughter of the late Henry and Marie (Bishop) Wolff.

On December 24, 1935, she married Clarence Dorland Beightler at the Trinity Lutheran Parsonage in Marysville, and he preceded her in death on February 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 and formerly of Bellefontaine, grandchildren; Anne (T.J.) Fitzpatrick of Bellefontaine, Michael (Traci) Ritter of Powell, Dr. John (Abigail) Traul of Roseburg, Oregon, Suzanne (Nick) Selvaggio of Urbana and Dr. David (Dr. Christine) Traul of Cleveland, great grandchildren; Hannah & Rachel Ritter, Zachary & Zoe Traul, Stephanie & Anna Selvaggio, Andrew & 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 was held on August 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 will officiate a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 26, 2016 at the First Lutheran Church, 208 W. Sandusky Ave, Bellefontaine. Friends may call one hour prior to the service in the Welcoming Lounge at the church. Burial will follow in Bellefontaine Cemetery.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the wonderful caring and loving staff at Vancrest of Urbana, the former High St. Neighbors, and close friends for all of their unwavering care and support thought her long life.

Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine assisted the family with arrangements.