Bernice E. Hall, age 97, passed away peacefully on October 18th in Newark, OH. She was born on July 12, 1926, in Strasburg, OH, to the late Russell and Emma Rentsch. Bernice was a child of the Depression. Early in life she learned the values of hard work, devotion to family, and a keen sense of humor. She met her husband Wilbur while pumping his gas at the Dundee General Store where she worked as a teen. She later worked as a beautician and as a "Rosie the Riveter". They were married after he returned from the war, built their own house a block from her parents' house, and raised four boys. When her youngest was in high school she enrolled in college and eventually graduated with her Associate Degree in Business. She went on to serve as school treasurer for Strasburg Franklin Schools where she and her sons had attended and graduated. She had many friends and was very active in school and church activities. In retirement she helped Wilbur run his House Log business. She treasured time with her children and their families most of all and was very proud of helping all her sons through college, which was no small feat for her and Wilbur. Special memories were the large family holiday gatherings with her parents and siblings' families and later her own family. Who knew you could cram 50 people into a small living room on Christmas Eve? She retained her math skills and intellect all her life and did her own taxes into her 90s. She was a truly remarkable woman.

She will be sorely missed by her surviving sons, Richard (Jan) Hall of Worthington, Ronald (Carrie) Hall of Utica, and Dr. Thomas (Mary Beth) Hall of Newark. She was also loved by her grandchildren including Travis Hall of Dayton, TN, Teresa Crawford of Dayton, OH, Dr. Michael (Jenna) Hall of Manhattan Beach, CA, Jessica (Adam) Porsch of Westerville, Jeny (Matthew) Donovan of Blacklick, Elli (Andrew) Kalas of Utica, Brian (Odile) Hampton of Plainfield, NH, along with many great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Wilbur H. Hall, her parents, siblings Robert Rentsch, Richard Rentsch, R. Bruce Rentsch, Clara Clarke, Betty Brugger, Norma Freitag, and her beloved son Kevin Hall.

Two memorial services are planned. The first will be Tuesday, October 24th, 6pm at Central Christian Church in Newark, OH with Rev. Chad Penhorwood, Rev. Kara Swartz, and Gladys Davis officiating. The second will be Saturday, October 28th, 11am at St. John Church of Christ, Strasburg, OH, with Rev. Jason Rissler officiating.

A reception will follow each service in the church fellowship hall. Private inurnment will be held in Grandview Union Cemetery in Strasburg following the reception on Saturday.

Memorial contributions may be directed to St. John United Church of Christ, Strasburg, OH or the charity of your choice.