Bertha "Bertie" Evadna Shrider Swank, 100, died Nov. 1, 2015, at Mennonite Memorial Home, Bluffton.
Bertie was born April 10, 1915, in Allen County on a farm near Lafayette, Ohio, to Charles and Louisa (Ramga) Shrider who preceded her in death.
On July 8, 1943, she married Frederick Andrew Swank who preceded her in death on April 5, 1978.
Bertie was a graduate of Lafayette-Jackson High School. In addition to her early working years waitressing at Ruff's Restaurant in Lafayette, the Elk's in Bluffton and Pine's Restaurant, Bluffton, she had her own laundry business. She worked in food service operating Southgate Lanes snack bar and after earning her dietary nutrition degree in 1969, she served as dietician at Bluffton Community Hospital until her retirement in 1985.
Bertie was an active member of St. John's United Church of Christ, Bluffton. From the time she was a 5 year old child until her 100th year she played the piano, using this talent in school, in church, and in later years with the Bluffton Senior Citizens' Golden Swingers Band.
She was a sports enthusiast, loving the football predictions in the local paper and enjoyed following her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their activities.
Being an avid photographer she had many movies, slides and photographs of these programs and sporting events.
She is survived by her three children:
• Nancy (Ed) Yeager of Bluffton, and their children Cara (Mac) Davies of Bluffton, Brandt (Jennifer Williams) Young of Zionsville, Indiana, Shelley (Mark) Koch of Wapakoneta, Ohio and Carl Yeager of Detroit, Michigan.
• Linda (Tom) Benroth of Bluffton, and their children Kelli (Brad) Fruchey of Bluffton, Kristen (Chad) Parkins of Bluffton, and Kimberly (Ronnie) Worcester of Bluffton; and
• Bill (Joan Yaussy) Swank of Van Wert, and their children Stacy Swank of New York, New York, and Ryan (Kimberly Kristie) Swank of Dublin; 16 great-grandchildren, Lauren and Abbie Parkins, Alex, Jarrett and Matt Koch, Sami and Cole Fruchey, Brennan, Anna, RJ and Jayce Davies, Dyllan, Landen and Peyton Worcester and Mallory and Logan Swank.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her son-in-law Roy Young; six brothers, George, Earl, Gule, Gordon, Clifford and Merle Shrider; and three sisters, Ethel Boutwell, Delphia Shrider and Bernice Stonehill.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. John's United Church of Christ, Bluffton. Pastor Carol Clements and William Herr officiating.
Private interment will be held in Maple Grove Cemetery, Bluffton. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Bluffton.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bluffton Hospital, St. John's United Church of Christ, Mennonite Memorial Home or to the charity of the donor's choice.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.
