Bertha E. “Berti” Burt, age 92, of Clay City, IL passed away at her home in the presence of her husband and children on January 26, 2013.

Berti was born on June 9, 1920 in Brooklyn, New York, the daughter of Harry and Frieda (Siepermann) Wiedenroth. She married Herbert F. Burt, who survives, on August 20, 1948 in Chippewa Lake, OH. Also surviving are her children: Pat Burt of Clay City, Debbie Leininger and husband Rick of Freeport, and David Burt and wife Sue of Flora; 5 grandchildren: Mike Leininger, Jon Leininger, Julie Leininger (Eric) Johnson, Jennifer Burt (Randy) Ellis, Lindsey Burt (Jason) Podjasek; 3 great-grandchildren: Jonah and Jillian Ellis, Tyler Podjasek; and a brother, Stanley Kohler of Phoenix, Arizona. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Harry Kohler.

Berti served in the Women’s Army Corp (W.A.C.) during World War II, was a member of the Veterans of Foreign War and a member of the First Baptist Church of Clay City. She was a dedicated and loving wife and mother, Sunday School and Bible School Teacher, as well as Kids’ Church “Grandma”, Brownie Troop Leader, 4-H Club Leader, school volunteer, active member of the Clay County Republican Women’s Club, Eagle Forum, 700 Club and other Christian and conservative organizations. She was definitely a Proverbs 31 Woman. . .”Her children rose up and called her blessed.”

Private funeral services for Bertha “Berti” Burt were held with interment in Elmwood Cemetery, Flora, with military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that in memory of Berti Burt, a memorial has been established for the Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services. Individuals can write in honor of Herbert and Berti Burt in the memo line of the check. Receipts are sent to donors in an acknowledgement letter form from the BCHFS. The address is as follows: BCHFS, 949 Co. Rd. 1300 North, Carmi, IL 62821. Arrangements were handled by the Frank and Bright Funeral Home in Flora.