Bertha "Bert" Giere, 59, Powell and formerly of Maria Stein, met her Lord and Savior on Jan. 11, 2015, at The James Cancer Hospital, Columbus, after fighting a long, courageous battle.

She was born to Leonard and Edna Heitkamp, who are deceased. Her husband of 37 years, Tom Giere, survives.

Also surviving are a daughter, Nicole (Richie) Melendez, Hilliard; a son, Adam Giere, Upper Arlington; four grandchildren, Jayde and Bryson McKinney, and Lyric and Madison Melendez; brothers and sisters, Lillian (Bob) Guggenbiller, Stan (Marilyn) Heitkamp, Paulette (Jim) Hemmelgarn, Vivian (Ron) Hartings, Brenda (Dave) Moran, Annette (Russ) Wortman, Howie (Sue) Heitkamp, and Ted (Janet) Heitkamp; a sister-in-law, Frances Heitkamp; a brother-in-law, Jeff (Anne) Heckman; many nieces and nephews; a mother-in-law, Ruth (Francis) Brown; and sisters- and brothers-in-law, Connie (Gary) Schmitz, Paula Giere, John Giere, Annette (Joe) Steiner, Amy (Dennis) Smith and Molly Giere and their families.

Also deceased are a brother, Luke Heitkamp; a sister, Gladys "Gladie" Heckman; a father-in-law, Norbert Giere; and a sister-in-law, Lorraine Giere.

A Maria Stein native, she was a 1974 graduate of Marion Local High School. Everyone who had the pleasure of meeting her will remember her kind words, quick wit, selflessness and ever-smiling eyes. She approached life and touched those around her the only way she knew how - with grace, courage and a positive spirit. Her charismatic charm was admired by those around her and she will be dearly missed.

Funeral Mass is 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Brigid of Kildare Church, Dublin, the Rev. Kevin Kavanagh officiating. Private burial will be observed by the family.

Calling is 4-8 p.m. Monday at Rutherford Funeral Home, Powell.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to Pelotonia, 351 West Nationwide Blvd., Columbus, OH 43215.

Condolences may be sent to www.rutherfordfuneralhomes.com.