Bertie Lou Towler McKenna

Local American Cancer Society advocate Bertie Lou Towler McKenna, 81, passed away Wednesday, September 23, 2020. Bertie was the daughter of the late Carlos Owen and Margret Elizabeth Lyons Towler and was born on February 25, 1939. On August 1, 1951, Bertie went to live with V. Lois McKenna on her farm in rural Fayette County. Bertie was adopted by V. Lois McKenna on May 11, 1967, to which Bertie referred to as her second birthday; she and Lois raised hogs and cattle for several years. Bertie was an eighth grade graduate from Waterloo Middle School, before graduating from Alquina High School with the class of 1959. Following her graduation Bertie worked at Bill’s Drive In as carhop waitress from 1960 through 1964. From 1966 through 1971, Bertie worked with Dr. Waterson in Connersville. In 1972, Bertie began working with George Henry at his farrowing house until 1979. Bertie started selling real estate in 1978. In 1988, she became the owner of Town and Country Real Estate Association, which she proudly maintained and operated until her death. Bertie was a founding committee member of the Fayette County Relay For Life and Beat Cancer in 4 Quarters events, later taking over their complete organization, a role she filled until the time of her death. Her greatest passion was being an advocate for the American Cancer Society. Since 2005, you could find Bertie at local stores, restaurants, and businesses asking for donations or organizing annual fundraisers. In her leisure time, Bertie enjoyed growing flowers, fishing, organic gardening, knitting, jigsaw puzzles and word searches. Bertie also enjoyed cooking on her wood stove, growing, and canning her fruits and vegetables. She was especially known for her delicious sugar cookies, canned tomatoes, and sauerkraut. Bertie had a heart of gold and will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her dedication to helping others, and her donation of time and talent to local organizations such as Shrine of Memories Mausoleum and the Salvation Army. In 2013, Bertie was recognized as a nominee for the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce Humanitarian of the Year award, and in 2016, she was nominated for an Area 9 Agency on aging service award as well. One of Bertie’s greatest accomplishments however, came in 2019 when she was awarded one of the prestigious Golden Hoosier Awards by the Indiana Lt. Governor, Suzanne Crouch, for her countless hours of community service and giving back. Bertie was a dedicated member of the Springersville Christian Church. She was grounded in her faith, and she was a firm believer in God’s love and power. Bertie was a devoted prayer warrior and enjoyed reading her Bible. Bertie is survived by her sisters: Shirley Stant, Kathy Hill and her husband Leo, Teresa Rose and her husband Donnie, Nancy Foster and her husband Preston, all of Connersville, Debbie May of Florida; brothers: Larry Towler and his wife Ruth of Florida, Paul Towler and his wife Diana, of Connersville, Richard Towler and his wife Kathy of Lakeland, Florida; her sister in-law: Patty Towler; special niece and nephew: Shane and Kim Beach; Bertie’s special friends: George and Carol Henry, James Snyder; her godchildren: Tara Henry Madden and her husband Jason, Rachel Pfeiffer and her husband Nate, Heather Gill, and Mike Snyder; several nieces and nephews; a host of friends; her beloved canine companion: Donna Bertie preceded in death by her biological parents; her adoptive mother; sister: Jody Towler; brother: Rick Towler; sister in-law: Julie Towler; brother-in-laws: Gene May and Robert Stant; her special friend: Joan Snyder. Per Bertie’s request, in lieu of a funeral service, a retirement party will be conducted at 2 p.m. October 2, 2020, at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville, with Rod Barbee from Springersville Church officiating. Interment will follow at Springersville Cemetery. Friends may visit at the funeral home from 12 p.m. until time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Springersville Cemetery.