Gerber, Bertha May Plank (1885-1975)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1975 Apr 24 p. 11

Birth date: 1885 Mar 28

text of obituary:

BERTHA M. GERBER

Bertha May (Plank) Gerber, daughter of John and Sara (King) Plank, was born at Milford, Neb. on March 28, 1885, and died on Feb. 9, 1975, at Harper, Kan. at the age of 89.

Bertha moved with her parents to Index, Mo. at the age of nine. After 10 years in Missouri, they moved to Harper county. She spent some time working in California and Colorado, then returned to Harper county.

She was baptized in her youth at the Pleasant Valley Mennonite Church where she was a faithful member and participated in the Sunday school department, the Sewing Circle and the Homemaker's Club. She was also a member of the Octagon Helping Hand Club for many years.

On June 20, 1917, she was married to Edward Gerber of Harper, who preceded her in death in 1969 after 52 years of marriage. Surviving are one son, Loren, and wife Florence and three children of Argonia, Kan., and one daughter, Orva, and husband Dr. Walter Massanari and three children of Goshen, Ind. Preceding her in death were one infant son, seven brothers, five sisters, and one infant grandson, Bertha was the last surviving member of the John Plank family.

Those who knew Bertha will remember her for her unselfish assistance to church and community. She spent many hours visiting and administering to the needs of others.

Funeral services were held Feb. 11 at the Pleasant Valley Mennonite Church with Rev. Robert Zehr officiating.