Ruth H. Bertholf, 86, of Donna, Texas, died March 24, 2009, at Weslaco Nursing and Rehabilitation Hospital, Weslaco, Texas.

She was born April 4, 1922, in Celina to Kahle and Elizabeth McComb. In September 1941, she married Paul Slusser, who died in 1984. In August 1987, she married Carl Bertholf, who died in 1998.

She graduated from the former Immaculate Conception High School, Celina, and worked as a buyer for Rikes Department Store, Dayton. She retired from Rikes in 1978 after 30 years. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Donna, and was an active member of the Big Valley Association in Big Valley Park.

Surviving are three children, Sondra (Richard) Dangler, Donna, James (Elizabeth) Slusser, Franklin, and Michael (Sandra) Slusser, Alexandria, Ky.; a sister, Mary Jane Miars, St. Marys; a caregiver, Lillian Knauss, Urbana; 14 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.

Deceased are a grandson and a great-grandson.

Graveside services and burial will be held at a later date in Celina.

Contributions can be made to the Arthritis Foundation.