Bertha L. Ellinger

ELLINGER, Bertha L.
Of Kalamazoo Passed away Wednesday morning, May 16, 2007 at her home. Bertha was born September 16, 1920 in Allegan the daughter of Dewey and Hazel Engels Huitt. She was a member of the Milwood United Methodist Church where she was a Sunday School teacher for several years. Bertha also served as President of the DAV Auxiliary; the Daughters of the Nile; the VFW Auxiliary; Worthy High Priestess of the White Shrine; and the Royal Order of Amaranth. Prior to her retirement she worked as a cosmetologist; was a nurse for several years; and was the first female union operating engineer in Michigan. On August 29, 1938 she was united in marriage to her loving husband, Bernard who survives. Also surviving are 4 children, Bernard ?James? Pat Ellinger, Terry Ann Ellinger, Roger Judy Ellinger, Deborah Zeimanis; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Marietta Huitt, Sally Bilotta; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and 2 brothers. A memorial service will be held 2:00 o?clock Monday at the Milwood United Methodist Church, 3919 Portage Rd with Pastor Martin Culver officiating. Private interment will be in Ft. Custer National Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the Kalamazoo Animal Rescue, the Shriner?s Children Hospital, or Hospice Services of Southwest Michigan.