Bertha B. (Chambers) Hillsamer was born November 4, 1925 and died July 31, 2022. Between those two dates was a life well lived.
Bertha was born in East Alton, Illinois and later moved to Gas City, Indiana where she lived with her parents and 9 siblings. Bertha had a beautiful singing voice. With the help of her voice teacher, Mrs. Kibblinger, she became a sought-after soloist. Bertha was employed at the Marion Chronicle for several years beginning in high school and moving her way up to the editor of the women’s page.
On July 1, 1945, Bertha married Mark E. Hillsamer, and together they had 6 children. Their combined love of music naturally transferred to their children. All six of them took piano lessons, played a musical instrument, and most sang in the church choir that Bertha directed for 28 years. Bertha was a member of the Marion Lyric Club and served as president multiple times. She also was in the cast of Sound of Music presented by the Marion Community Theatre. Both Bertha and Mark were part of the Gideons International organization and raised their children in a Christian home in Marion, Indiana. They were members of the Christy Street United Methodist Church and after retirement, the Pinnellas Park Wesleyan Church in Safety Harbor, Florida. Bertha was known for her infectious smile, her welcoming spirit, her beautiful voice, and her drive to share the love of God with others.
Bertha was preceded in death by her son, Terry P. Hillsamer and her husband Mark E. Hillsamer. Her children celebrating her life are: Ann M. McCracken (Richard, deceased), Lynn E. Blosser (Ted, deceased), John M. Hillsamer (Verna), Gale S. Storen, (Sean) and Kelley S. King, (Paul). Bertha and Mark have 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held in Marion, Indiana at the Raven Choate Funeral Home, 1202 Kem Road, Marion, on Saturday, August 13, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Memorial gifts may be given to the Christland United Methodist Church, 721 E. Charles Street, Marion, Indiana 46952.
Online condolences and memories for the family can be shared at www.ravenchoate.com
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