Submitted by: Dan Rich

 

Jeanne Grant Bertles

May 11, 1926 - Feb 23, 2008

 

South Bend Tribune 2/25/2008
SOUTH BEND - Jeanne Grant Bertles was born on May 11, 1926, in South Bend, Indiana. She passed away February 23, 2008, at home in Naples, Florida, surrounded by her family and caregiver. She was the first born child of John and Gladys P. Grant. She is survived by her three loving children, William Grant Bertles (Darcy) of Lakewood, Colorado, Barbara Mitalo (Vito) of Naples, Florida, and Robert C. Bertles (Tammy) of South Bend Indiana. She is also survived by her four grandchildren, Ryan, Blake, Brooke and Kelly Bertles, as well as her sister, Virginia Leyes of South Bend, Indiana. She had a very special loving friendship with Beverly Murphy of Naples, Florida, who was her caregiver. While in grade school, Jeanne was the president of the Jelly Bean Club. Jeanne attended South Bend Holy Cross Grade School and then graduated from South Bend Central High School in 1945. After high school she worked at Northern Indiana Service Company as a service representative. She then attended International College and received a degree in accounting. She also worked at Lloyds Insurance where she filed claims.

 

In August 1946 she met Robert B. Bertles on a blind date. Robert was the love of her life, best friend, companion and confidant. In March 1948 they were engaged and then married on June 18, 1949. They were married almost 54 years when Robert passed away on December 10, 2002. In 2003 she moved to Naples, Florida, full time, where she lived in the home next door to her daughter, Barbara. She was best known in her work life as an integral part of Bertles Imports of South Bend where she successfully ran the title department. She always expected the best from the employees, but made it fun. The employees affectionately called her "Mrs. B," and she treated them like her extended family. Not only did she have a strong work ethic, but an immense attention to detail. There was no one else that could top her organizational skills. She loved to work, but more than that, she loved interacting with all the employees and customers. Jeanne spent most of her life serving others and spoke of it often. She was a classy, gracious, beautiful and kind woman inside and out. Even when things were not going her way, she was a warm human being with a great smile and a tremendous sense of humor. Her most pleasure came from knowing that her family and friends were happy and well taken care of. Jeanne was a member of the Morris Park Country Club and the Elks Club in South Bend. While visiting and residing in Naples, Florida, she was a member of the Naples Jazz Society. She was also very generous with a large variety of charity organizations.

 

Friends and family are invited to share in the celebration of her life on Wednesday, February 27, at 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the McGann Hay Funeral Home, located at 13260 State Road 23, enter off Cherry Road in Granger, Indiana (574-241-1411). A service will be held in the McGann Hay Chapel at 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 28th. Burial will follow at South Bend Highland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be sent to Saint Michael and all Angels Church at 53720 N. Ironwood Drive, South Bend, IN 46635; to the Lupus Foundation of America, Inc., P.O. Box 631047, Baltimore, MD 21263-1047; and to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, 1232 22nd Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037-1292.