Berta Lee Gabbard

GABBARD, Berta Lee was born July 13, 1930 in Hindman, Kentucky to proud parents Elic and Lillie (nee Hudson) Fugate. As a teenager she moved with her family from Kentucky to Ohio. She graduated from Hamilton High School in 1948. During her school years and after graduating, she worked at the Elite Bakery in Hamilton with many dear friends, some of whom she has kept in touch with through the years. On December 9, 1950 in Liberty, Indiana, she married the love of her life, Belve Gabbard who preceded her in death on August 16, 2007 after 57 years of marriage. To that union, one daughter, Beverly Rene, was born. In 1955 she began working as a Bond Specialist at Ohio Casualty Insurance Company, retiring in 1993. She attended the First Church of God where she was a faithful servant of the Lord, using her talents to teach, sing, and serve in many ministries of the church. She loved the Lord and testified of that love until the end of her life. She was a very talented person and enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and cross stitch embroidery. Among her other hobbies were cheering on the Reds and the Bengals. Her greatest joy was the fellowship of friends and family. She leaves behind to mourn her passing her daughter, Beverly Rene; her brothers Howard (Velva June) Fugate and Hager (Blanche) Fugate; her nieces Anna Sue Taylor, Phyllis (Gene) Smith, Arista Wogenstahl, Karen Fugate; and her nephew, Michael Fugate. She also leaves behind many friends and family. Her family would like to express their appreciation for the fine medical care she received from Dr. Nalagatla, Dr. George, and Dr. Mahida. They would also like to express their heartfelt thanks for the compassionate care she received from the aides, nurses, and staff at Westover, especially Monica Johnston, Nurse Manager. Visitation 5-8 PM Wednesday at THE WEBSTER FUNERAL HOME 3080 Homeward Way at Rt. 4, Fairfield. The funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 AM Thursday April 21, 2011 at the First Church of God 3100 Princeton Road, with Pastor Drew Wilkerson, officiating. Burial to follow in Rose Hill Burial Park. www.websterfuneralhomes.com Published in Journal-News on Apr. 19, 2011