Bernice L. Maikranz, 81, of Fort Branch, IN., passed away on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009 at Specialty Select Hospital in Evansville, IN.

She was born to the late William D. and Leva (Georges) Ritchie on Dec. 21, 1927 in Fort Branch, IN.

Bernice was a member of the Fort Branch First United Methodist Church, and the Busy Bells Homemakers Club.

Besides her parents she was also preceded in death by her son, Kenneth Maikranz, on June 1, 2008; a sister, Nancy J. Colvin, on Feb. 2007; and a brother William Ritchie on Oct. 22, 2005.

Bernie is survived by her husband, Robert Maikranz; 4 children and their spouses, Ron (Joy) Maikranz of Princeton, IN., Duncan (Roberta) Maikranz of Fort Branch, IN., Bethel Sue (Timothy) Ostrander of Griffin, IN., Anita (Tony) Graham of Fort Branch, IN; a daughter-in-law, Sheila Maikranz of Fort Branch, IN; 1 brother, Ralph Dean (Jack) Wilkerson of Princeton, IN; and 1 sister, Pat Smith of Fort Branch, IN; 12 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

Services for Bernie will be on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. at the Stodghill Funeral Home located on Hwy. 168 West in Fort Branch, IN, the Reverend John Windell will officiate, burial will be in Walnut Hill Cemetery in Fort Branch, IN.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009 from 3:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home and again from 9:00 A.M. until service time Thursday at the funeral home.