bertha zerkle

Bertha Zerkle, 89, of Weirton, WV, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2024, with her daughter Tammie by her side.

Born on November 20, 1934, in Weirton, WV, Bertha was the eighth of nine children born to Mike and Mildred Wouliitich Veselica. She was raised on the Veselica Family Farm, which is now the property of Weirton Madonna and Saint Joseph the Worker School and Church.

Bertha graduated from Weir High School and married the love of her life, Jimmy Zerkle, on June 11, 1955. Together, they were blessed with two daughters, Diana Lynn in August 1956 and Tammie Lynn in August 1964. Jim worked as a diesel mechanic for Weirton Steel, while Bertha dedicated herself to caring for her family while creating a warm and spotless home that always had something cooking or baking in her basement kitchen.

Beyond her home that was decorated for every season, Bertha took great pride in her work, cleaning the First United Methodist Church for 28 years, followed by cleaning the offices of Dr. Charles P. Capito and Assure America. Her dedication and attention to detail were second to none.

Bertha’s greatest love was her family. She was a devoted caregiver, not only to her daughters but to all the children she watched in her home. She became a grandmother to many, including Ryan Weld, Eric Filberto, Donnie and Ricky Meredith, Katie and Tony Marino, Elle and Eliza Greco, Cameron, Chase and Isabella Capito, Landon Magnone, and Kelly and Stacy Galloway. These children were not only loved but fed her delicious chicken noodle soup, macaroni salad, spaghetti, ho- ho Cake, lady locks, and nut roll.

She opened her home to family and friends for the Christmas Holiday and the Fourth of July every year. No one left hungry or without a to-go container.

An active member of the First United Methodist Church, Bertha served on the church board, numerous committees, vacation Bible School, and luncheons before transferring her membership to Christ United Methodist Church. In her free time, she enjoyed cheering on the Penguins, Steelers and Pirates.

In addition to her parents, Bertha was preceded in death by her daughter, Diana Lynn Zerkle, on January 24, 2007; her husband, Jim, on December 11, 2019; and her siblings, Mike Veselica Jr., Mildred Drazik, Mary Miller, George Veselica, Sarah Chloumoudis, and Rodney Veselica.

She will be remembered with love and admiration by her daughter, Tammie Lynn (Mark) Zilich; her brother, John (Mary Ann) Veselica; her sister, Helen Marino; and many nieces and nephews, including Bob (Deb) Marino and Mark (Miki) Marino.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 2-7 PM at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home 3219 Main Street Weirton, WV, where funeral services will be held 10 AM on Wednesday.

Pastor Larry Barkley will preside. Eulogies will be delivered by her nephew Mark Marino and WV State Senator Ryan Weld.

Entombment will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

Share tributes at www.grecohertnick.com

Services

Visitation: July 9, 2024 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home
3219 Main Street
Weirton, WV 26062

(304) 748-3219
https://www.grecohertnick.com

Funeral: July 10, 2024 10:00 am

Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home
3219 Main Street
Weirton, WV 26062

(304) 748-3219
https://www.grecohertnick.com

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. My most sincere sympathy to Bertha’s family and friends. May her memory be eternal❤️

  2. I’m so deeply sorry to read of Bertha’s passing. She was so sweeet & kind & helped me in so many ways. Sending sincere condolences & prayers that God be with your family

  3. Tammie & Family,
    So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you all during this difficult time.
    Mary Lyons

  4. Tammie and Mark, I’m so very sorry to hear about your Mom. She was a lovely lady and I know she will be very missed. Every time I have lady lock cookies and stuffed cabbage I think of her. She made the absolute best of everything! Such beautiful talents in all she did. Please take care, sending love to you from Harmony PA. Vickie

  5. Candle Selection 2Tammie & Mark, I m so sorry to learn of your Mom’s passing. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Sending you love and my deepest sympathies.

  6. Candle Selection 1Our thoughts and prayers are with you your friends from Carolyns Florist Carolyn and Melany Bever

  7. Candle Selection 8Tammie & Mark, We were so sorry to hear of your beloved mother’s passing. May all of your precious memories help sustain you through the coming days. Your friends, Sam & Chris

  8. Candle Selection 2I was saddled to hear this. I remember sitting with Aunt Bert every Sunday for church when I was younger as well as he watching me when my parents had sometime to do. She will be missed. Prayers for her family.

  9. Candle Selection 7Tammie and Mark,
    We are so sorry for your loss. Bert was so generous in every way. She truly loved her family and friends through numerous acts of kindness and giving. I observed her love for many years primarily through
    my sister’s family.
    It is evident that she has passed these beautiful traits to you and Mark. May her memory be eternal.
    Kathy Maragos and family


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