Bertha "Bert" Giere

Bertha "Bert" Giere, age 59, of Powell, OH met her Lord and Savior on Sunday, January 11, 2015 at The James Cancer Hospital after fighting her long, courageous battle. A native of Maria Stein, OH, she was a graduate of Marion Local High School, Class of 1974. Everyone who had the pleasure of meeting Bert will remember her for her kind words, quick wit, selflessness, and ever-smiling eyes. She approached life and touched those around her the only way she knew how-with grace, courage and a positive spirit. Her charismatic charm was admired by those around her, and she will be dearly missed. Bert was preceded in death by her parents Leonard and Edna Heitkamp, brother Luke Heitkamp, sister Gladys "Gladie" Heckman, father-in-law Norbert Giere and sister-in-law Lorraine Giere. She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 37 years, Tom Giere; daughter and son-in-law, Nicole and Richie Melendez of Hilliard, OH; son, Adam Giere of Upper Arlington, OH; grandchildren, Jayde and Bryson McKinney and Lyric and Madison Melendez; brothers and sisters, Lillian (Bob) Guggenbiller, Stan (Marilyn) Heitkamp, Paulette (Jim) Hemmelgarn, Vivian (Ron) Hartings, Brenda (Dave) Moran, Annette (Russ) Wortman, Howie (Sue) Heitkamp and Ted (Janet) Heitkamp; sister-in-law, Frances Heitkamp; brother-in-law, Jeff (Anne) Heckman; and many, many nieces and nephews; mother-in-law, Ruth (Francis) Brown; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Connie (Gary) Schmitz, Paula Giere, John Giere, Annette (Joe) Steiner, Amy (Dennis) Smith and Molly Giere and their families. Family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. MONDAY at the RUTHERFORD FUNERAL HOME AT POWELL, 450 West Olentangy Street, Powell, OH 43065, (614)-792-1471. (The funeral home is on Powell Rd./SR 750 1/4 mile east of Sawmill Parkway.) Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2015 at ST. BRIGID OF KILDARE CHURCH, 7179 Avery Road, Dublin, OH 43017 with The Reverend Kevin Kavanagh, Celebrant. Private burial will be observed by the family. In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to consider memorial contributions to Bert's favorite charity: Pelotonia, 351 West Nationwide Blvd., Columbus, OH 43215. Include Bert's name with any check donation so the family can acknowledge your gift. Please visit www.rutherfordfuneralhomes.com to send condolences to the Giere Family.

Bertha "Bert" Giere

November 8, 1955 - January 11, 2015