From “She Dwelt among the Untrodden ways” by William Wordsworth:
“… A violent by a mossy stone
Half hidden from the eye?
– Fair as a star, when only one
Is shining in the sky.”
Sarah (Bertsch) Gill, 76, of Kilmarnock, Va., passed from this earthly life on Dec. 11, 2022.
Sarah was the daughter of Effie and Herman Bertsch of Bluffton. She has four brothers, Sam (Kathy), Herman (Jeanie), Homer and Roger; she is survived by Sam and Homer. She graduated from Lancaster High School in Bluffton.
Her husband, Randy Gill, is living in their home in Kilmarnock, which they both referred to as God’s Triangle because of the three roads that converge to create a triangle around the property.
Sarah loved nature and spending time outdoors. She grew lilies and roses, and spent a lot of her time in later years mowing her lawn. Sarah also loved music and would spend time singing to the oldies with her daughters, Tonia Pankop, Tisha (Chris) Pankop and April McAtee, along with her step-son Shane (Rachel) Otis and his sister Heather Rau when they were kids. Sarah has five grandchildren, Patrick and Alex, the sons of Shane Otis, and Sebastian, Deacon and Ariden, the sons of April McAtee. She also has a great-grandson, Desmond, the son of Deacon.
Sarah enjoyed reading the Bible at home and would volunteer to share this gift at church. She loved to praise God and look for joy in the small things in life. She was loved by her family and a small circle of friends in both Indiana and Virginia.
There is no expectation for flowers or donations, but if you feel inclined to give in her name, please send contributions to Historic White Marsh Church, 11040 Mary Ball Rd. P.O. Box 24, Lancaster, Va. 22503. This congregation was very special to Sarah during her difficulties over the past few months.
There will be a celebration of life in Bluffton on June 17, 2023. Please email Sarah’s daughter, Tisha Pankop, for more information at tpankop@gmail.com.