Mildred Gross Berger, 96, passed away July 5, 2014 at Bridge Hospice, Bowling Green, OH.
Mildred was born November 8, 1917 in Deep River, IA to Raymond and Harriett (Scovel) Gross, the second of
two children.
Mildred
graduated from Grinnell High School in Grinnell, IA and earned her
bachelor’s degree in 1939 from Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant,
IA where she majored in English. She later earned her master’s degree
from Wittenberg University in Springfield, OH in 1962.
After
teaching English and History in Argyle, IA, she married Bernard George
Berger in 1940 and they divorced in 1956. In 1940, Mildred taught grades
1 to 12 in a one-room school house near Champaign, IL.
Mildred
then was a stay-at-home mother until she accepted a teaching position
in 1953 at George Rogers Clark Junior High School in Springfield, OH.
Mildred later taught high school English at Springfield High School and
at Springfield North High School until 1979 when she retired from a
teaching career of 30 years.
Mildred was most proud and committed to her roles of mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Her
memory will be cherished by her daughter, Bonnie Gross Berger; three
grandchildren, Bonnie Darlene (Jerry) Martens, Mindy Diane (Bill) White,
and Stephen Phillip Casher; and seven great-grandchildren, Samantha,
Josh, and Clay Martens; Rachel and Stephanie White; and Nakita and
Nikoli Casher.
Mildred
was preceded in death by her parents, sister Elizabeth Gross Carpenter,
her son Stephen Bernard Berger, and daughter-in-law, Linda Darlene
Berger.
She
generously gave of her time, energy, and heart to her family and
friends, and lived a full life. A devoted member of Central Methodist
Church (now Faith United Methodist Church) in Springfield, OH, Mildred
taught Sunday school for more than 20 years and was a member of the
Women’s Circle, Susies, and her beloved bell choir. She was also a proud
member of Alpha Xi Delta Sorority, the Fortnightly Musical Group, and
the Senior Center in Springfield, OH.
During
retirement, she volunteered her time for more than 10 years in the gift
shop of Mercy Hospital in Springfield, OH. Her favorite activities
included creating needle point pillows, book club membership, and
travels to Halifax, Copenhagen, Munich, Salzburg, Vienna, and many
cities in the U.S.
Mildred
moved to Heritage Corner in Bowling Green, OH in 2007 to be closer to
her daughter Bonnie Berger, a faculty member at BGSU. Here, she enjoyed
the camaraderie of new friends and residents, and enthusiastically
participated in crafts, church, and euchre groups. She lit up a room
when she entered it, and her warmth, humor, and quiet love of life were
contagious.
The
family extends heartfelt gratitude to the nursing staff and caregivers
at Heritage Corner and Bridge Hospice for their loving care and support.
A
Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, July 11, 2014 at 11
a.m. at the DUNN FUNERAL HOME located in the Historical District of
Bowling Green at 408 W. Wooster Street. Rev. Meg Knape will officiate.
Public visitation will begin on Friday, July 11, 2014 from 10 a.m. until the service time at Dunn Funeral
Home.
Burial will be in Ferncliff Cemetery, Springfield, Ohio.
Should
friends desire, memorial contributions may be made in Mildred’s memory
to Faith United Methodist Church, 102 West High Street, Springfield, OH
45502.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
Following
the services, the family would like to invite everyone to Bonnie’s home
located in Bowling Green for a post celebration of life luncheon.
To
send flowers click here!