Rita Coletta Bertke

BERTKE, Rita Coletta, age 92, died peacefully Sunday, August 4, 2024, at St. Leonard Nursing Facility. Rita Guggenbiller married Ernest Bertke on November 10, 1954, and he preceded her in death on September 8, 2017. She is survived by her seven children: Delbert (Jean), Ronald (Susan), Thomas (Lisa), Lisa Ellis (fiancé Bill Wehinger), Bradley (Kim), Diane, and Kevin (Mary); 16 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and her brother Robert. She was preceded in death by her parents, Aloysius and Caroline, brothers Ralph, Greg, and Victor, and sisters Mildred and Esther.

Rita was born March 5, 1932 in Sharpsburg, Ohio. After marrying Ernest, they moved to Dayton, Ohio in 1955. The Bertkes eventually moved to Centerville, Ohio, and lived on Silvertree Court for more than 40 years. Rita dedicated her life to nurturing her family, instilling in them the values of faith, kindness, hard work, and unconditional love. The Bertke home was always filled with warmth, love, and the delicious aromas of her incredible cooking and baking. She took a lot of pride in maintaining a beautiful home, and making sure our hearts and stomachs were full. She enjoyed watching the Cincinnati Reds and University of Dayton Basketball. She also enjoyed gardening, completing puzzles, and playing card games and dominoes with friends and family.

She was a member of Incarnation Parish in Centerville, Ohio. She loved the Lord and spent many hours praying the rosary and for her loved ones. When things got tough, she would say, “The outcomes are in the good Lord’s hands.” If you could sum up 92 years on this earth in a few key phrases, Rita’s may include: selfless, salt of the earth, do small things with great love (Mother Theresa), say your prayers, walk your faith even when times are difficult, be grateful for the things you have, and treat others with kindness.

Rest in peace, Rita. You will always be in our hearts. Her legacy will continue to live on through her family and the lives she touched.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, OH 45420 https://www.ohioshospice.org/dayton/, or the St. Vincent De Paul Administration, 124 W. Apple Street, Dayton, OH 45402 https://stvincentdayton.org/.

A visitation for Rita will be held Friday, August 16, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Tobias Funeral Home - Far Hills Chapel, 5471 Far Hills Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45429. A visitation will occur Saturday, August 17, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Leonard Chapel, 8100 Clyo Road, Centerville, Ohio 45459. A Mass of Christian Burial will occur Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 11:00 AM at St. Leonard Chapel, 8100 Clyo Road, Centerville, Ohio 45458. A final resting place will occur at Centerville Cemetery, 68 Maple Avenue, Centerville, Ohio 45459. Condolences may be sent to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com