Submitted by: Dan Rich
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.