Bertha L. White, 85, of Reading, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, July 12, 2020. She was the wife of the late John O. White.
Born Oct. 17, 1934, in Saluda, S.C., she was a daughter of the late Felix and Annie (Gibson) Rauch.
Bertha was a longtime member of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Reading. She worked for more than 25 years as a machine operator at the former W.R. Grace & Co. in Muhlenberg Township.
An avid Bingo player, Bertha enjoyed regular trips to casinos with her sister and friends. She also loved playing Bingo and cards with her family at her home, where she’d regularly host family nights.
She is survived by five daughters: Barbara Ricks (Clarence), Reading; Eleanor Logan, Reading; Debra Lindsey, Reading; Margaret Jefferson, Colorado; and Gloria Rhoades, Temple, wife of the late Marshall Rhoades; and five sons: James (Lorraine) Rauch, Maryland; David (Deania) Rauch, Leesport; Willie Rauch, Reading; Phillip (Nelida) White Sr., Reading; and Edward (T’Andrea) White, Raleigh, N.C.
There is also a granddaughter she raised, Dorraine Rauch, Reading; and a godson, Ray Hunter.
She is also survived by her sisters, Irene Green and Lois (Arthur) Bailey, and by her brothers, Curtis Rauch and Larry (Julia) Rauch.
Blessed with a large family, Bertha is also survived by 39 grandchildren, a host of great- and great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by two daughters, Vernel Renee Lindsey and Margaret Louise Ewing; a sister, Della Gallmon; two brothers, Felix and Calvin Rauch; a grandson, James Rauch Jr.; and a granddaughter, Jacki Walton.
Public visitation is Thursday, July 23, 2020, from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading, with a private family viewing extending till 11 a.m. An outdoor memorial service at the funeral home is at 11, followed by burial at Berks County Memorial Gardens, Fleetwood. The family respectfully requests that attendees follow the COVID-19 pandemic protocols.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Bertha's memory and sent to Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., which is honored to serve the family.
Condolences may be expressed, and remembrances offered, at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.