Bertha L. Deuel

Bertha L. (Temple, Torrey) Deuel, 108, crossed over into the arms of her Lord on May 18, 2009. Bertha was born November 7, 1900 in Willet, NY to Morris and Elizabeth (Blodget) Temple. She has made her home at the NYS Veteran's Home in Oxford for the last 5 years. Bertha was predeceased by her sisters: Mary Sherwood, Margie O'Neal, Iva Livermore, Thelma Greene, Gertrude Lum, Lillian Root and Mildred Fry; a brother Harry Temple; her parents; one sister-in-law and five brothers-in-law.

Bertha lived in Willet throughout her childhood. She graduated from high school with a regent's diploma. She was also a licensed practical nurse. Bertha worked many jobs in her life, starting with the family farm in German. She also worked as a midwife and at the WRC Home (as the Veteran's Home was formerly known) in Oxford as an LPN. Bertha worked at Scintilla as a machinist during the war and afterwards while living in McDonough, owned and operated her own nursing home. In later years Bertha and her husband Clyde owned and operated a store in McDonough. They also owned a camp on Lake Steere for many years that was like a second home to them.

In 1918 Bertha married Avery Torrey and together they had a son, Avery Z. Torrey. They divorced in 1948 and Bertha then married Clyde V. Deuel, who passed away in 1977. She was a lifetime member of the Edwin Wilbur, Jr. Post #1478 American Legion Auxiliary in McDonough. She was also a past member of the Episcopal Church. She was a member of the Red Hat Society.

Bertha was well-known in the community for her excellent baking skills. She was always there for anyone who ever needed her. She was loved by many, many people and will be greatly missed.

Bertha is survived by her son Avery and daughter-in-law Geneva Torrey, Cincinnatus, 2 stepdaughters, Joyce Hicha and Marilyn and Norm McKeown of Phoenix, AZ. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren and their spouses, Edward (Barbara) Torrey, Ft.Smith, AR; Leona Diaz (Mike Thompson) McDonough, Natholie (Gary) Morley, North Pitcher, Arthur (Brenda) Torrey, Cincinnatus, Cynthia (James) DeForest, McDonough, and granddaughter-in-law, Margie Talutis, Cincinnatus; a brother-in-law, Neal Root of Smithville Flats; 4 step-grandchildren: James (Kimberly) Smith, Phoenix, AZ; Michael (Kimberly) Smith, Paul Hicha and Michael (Hyun) Hicha, Phoenix, AZ . 10 great-grandchildren, 14 great-great grandchildren, 2 step-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also survive Bertha. Her stepson-in-law Mike Hicha and her oldest grandson Garry Torrey also predeceased Bertha.

Funeral services will be held at the K.L. Sharp Funeral Home, Cincinnatus, NY on Thursday, May 21, 2009, at 1:00 p.m. with the Reverend Mark Giroux officiating. Burial will be in Westview Cemetery, German. The family will be present to receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.