Bertha Bender Funderburk

Bertha Bender Funderburk, 96, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at Elmcroft Assisted Living in Raleigh. Born on September 24, 1919 in Ridgeway, NC; she was the daughter of the late George and Katie Bender. She graduated from Middleburg High School in Vance County in 1936, followed by a stenography course at Woman’s College in Greensboro, NC. She met her husband while working at Noland Company in Raleigh. They got married in 1945 when he returned from his military service after World War II. She maintained a “full-time” mom for many years but then worked part-time for Stained Glass Associated, Cherokee Brick Co., and for Our Savior Lutheran Church of which she was an active member.

Her sons will always remember her as a tireless parent, never complaining about life’s pitfalls and always ready to lend a helping hand at church and home. She enjoyed all of her family and always looked forward to the holidays when everyone would come over and enjoy her delicious home cooking.

She is survived by her sons: John Rex Funderburk, wife Jane, of Plymouth, MA and Ralph James Funderburk and wife, Cathryn, of Raleigh; daughter-in-law: Patricia Funderburk, of Baltimore MD; grandchildren: Anne Gotfredson and husband Bill, of Boston, MA, Kathryn Funderburk, of Boston, MA, Nicole Manchester and husband Patrick, of Washington, DC, Michael Funderburk and wife Melanie, of Charlotte, NC, Andrew Funderburk and wife, Sheila, of Boston MA and Julie Miller and husband Brian, of Baltimore, MD; great-grandchildren: Grace Funderburk and Owen and Quinn Miller; and by her sister: Gertrude Duncan and husband Arnold, of San Mateo, CA.

Bertha was preceded in death by her husband, Ray D. Funderburk, her son, Dan Robert Funderburk, and siblings, William Bender, Walter Bender, Paul Bender, Selma Mueller and Freida Haun.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, May 7, 2016 from 2-3 pm at Mitchell Funeral Home (7209 Glenwood Avenue), with funeral services to begin at 3 pm in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at Raleigh Memorial Park with a reception back at the funeral home afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church – 1500 Glenwood Avenue – Raleigh, NC 27608.