Anita Carol Bertsch, 88, of Bluffton, passed away surrounded by her family on Wednesday evening, Aug. 20, 2025, at Christian Care Retirement Community in Bluffton.
Anita was born on Dec. 12, 1936, to Orlando and Violet (Augsburger) Lehman in Adams County. She married Godfrey Bertsch on May 25, 1952, in Berne and were married for 60 years. He preceded her in death on Sept. 14, 2012.
Anita was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church, where she taught Sunday school and Bible school. She was a 4-H leader and she never shied away from hard work, she worked along side Godfrey on the farm, driving a tractor, feeding livestock, tending a large vegetable garden and raising their five children. During her life she held part time jobs waiting tables at Parkway Restaurant, Naas Foods during tomato pack season and Economy Printing. She worked at CTS in Berne full time for 25 years when her children were grown. She was a wonderful hostess, hosting many family gatherings in their home. Anita was an avid follower of South Adams and Adams Central football and basketball, always tuning into the Berne Witness to listen or watch a competition. Anita and Godfrey enjoyed wintering in Florida for many years.
Survivors include three daughters, Ruth (Harry) Anderson of Geneva, Rebecca (Dennis) Caffee of Geneva, and Rhonda Tonner of Bluffton; a brother Norval (Donna) Lehman; a daughter-in-law, Brenda Bertsch (Steve) Wilson and a son-in-law, Jeff (Sandy) Roop; along with 13 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild, with another one on the way.
In addition to her parents and husband, Anita was preceded in death by a son, Robert Bertsch; a daughter, Roxanne Roop; a son-in-law, Eric Tonner; a sister, Margery Gehman; and three brothers, Brice Lehman, and infant twins, Olen and Orlin Lehman.
Visitation will be 1-7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025, at Goodwin – Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel in Bluffton. Services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, at the Apostolic Christian Church East with visitation one hour prior to the service. Lynn Fiechter and Kole Meyer will officiate. Burial will follow at the Apostolic Christian Cemetery in Adams County.
Memorial Contributions may be directed to the Luke Bertsch Benefit.
Online Condolences may be made at www.goodwincaleharnish.com