Bertha C. Hemphill
Bertha C. Hemphill, 89, of Butler, formerly of Chicora, went home to be with her Lord on Monday evening at the VNA Inpatient Hospice in Butler while surrounded by her adoring family.
Mrs. Hemphill was born in Roseville, Armstrong County, on Dec. 7, 1923. She was the daughter of Carl W. and Margaret E. Humphreys Heckler.
She was a graduate of East Brady High School.
On Jan. 2, 1942, she married Jack L. Hemphill in Winchester, Va. He preceded her in death on Aug. 28, 1978.
She and her husband owned and operated Hemphill’s Market on Route 68 in Chicora for nearly 40 years. The market was well known for its cordial service and excellent meats.
Bertha had attended the Chicora Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. While living at the Lafayette Apartments in Butler, Bertha enjoyed managing the apartment’s flea market, playing the piano and organ and singing for social events and playing bingo. She enjoyed crafts and the company of her family, most especially that of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Surviving are two daughters, Joy A. Crofts and her husband, Val, of Temecula, Calif., and Carol A. Blakely and her husband, Bob, of Butler; a son, Martin C. Hemphill and his wife, Gretchen, of Renfrew; seven grandchildren, Amanda, Bill, Wendy, Hope, Charity, Bobbi Jo and Angela; 17 great-grandchildren; and Bertha was looking forward to the birth of her 18th great-grandchild, expected in March. Also surviving are a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Hemphill was preceded in death by a son, Jack L. Hemphill Jr., who died in 1960; and three sisters, Dorothy Heffelfinger, Laura E. Jack and Lodema Hull.
HEMPHILL — Friends of Bertha C. Hemphill, who passed away Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, will be received at the Hile Funeral Home of Chicora, 339 Chicora Fenelton Road, Chicora, from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday.A private family funeral service will follow with Mrs. Hemphill's nephew, the Rev. Carl Hull, a Presbyterian pastor, officiating. Interment will be in Hemphill Cemetery, Chicora.Contributions in Mrs. Hemphill's memory may be made to the YWCA Personal Care Home, 120 W. Cunningham St., Butler, PA 16001, or to Butler Meals on Wheels, 218 E. Jefferson St., Butler, PA 16001.Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.
