GOSHEN — Mrs. Wilma M. Berkey, 95, of Bristol, passed away peacefully of natural causes on Thursday, July 21, 2016 at 6:35 am.

She was born in Milford on June 2, 1921 to the late Henry and Freida (Lanz) Ruch and then married John C. Berkey on Aug. 20, 1940 in Goshen. He passed away in 1979.

Surviving are her children John U. (Pat) Berkey of Port Charlotte, FL, Velma (Brian) Rodgers of Bristol, Walter (Lorie) Berkey of Keaau, HI and JoAnn (Ed) Kleckner of Bristol; 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Preceding her is an infant son Charles Noble Berkey, great grandson John Ulrich Berkey, and siblings Elmer, Lea, Lena, Fred, Katherine, Walter and Robert "Bob".

Wilma's life will be celebrated at the Bristol United Methodist Church, 201 S. Division St., Bristol, beginning with gathering of family and friends on Sunday, July 24, from 6-8 pm, followed by a funeral service there on Monday, July 25, 2016 at 11:00 am with visitation starting at 10 am. Pastor Fred Stayton will officiate and burial will follow at Cornell Cemetery, Goshen, IN.

Wilma was a proud member of the Bristol UMC for over 60 years and was known there for her coffee making abilities. She was also a lifetime member of the Charles Harker American Legion Auxiliary, the Bristol Rebekka Lodge and the Bristol Fire Department's Ladies Auxiliary.  Known for her generous gifts that included garden items, chocolate cakes or strawberry pies, she was always quick to serve her community by donating to the needy and the shut-ins, as well as regularly assisting with the Mental Health Christmas Drive and helping families who lost their possessions in house fires with food and clothing.
Memorial donations may be given to the Bristol Parks Department for the placement of a park bench with Wilma's name on it.

Online condolences can reach the family at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

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