Bernice Hartmann

Bernice I. Hartmann, 96, of Gordonville was called to her heavenly home Monday, Nov. 26, 2012.

She was born April 5, 1916, in Gordonville, daughter of Alvin and Lena Sperling Deneke. She married James W. Hartmann on Feb. 1, 1944, at Zion United Methodist Church in Gordonville. They lived and worked on their farm near Gordonville for 66 years. He died March 10, 2010.

She was a life-long member of Zion United Methodist Church in Gordonville and was active in many church activities, including United Methodist Women and Sunday school.

Bernice graduated from College High School in Cape Girardeau and worked briefly at Southwestern Bell Telephone and Southeast Hospital. She was formerly active as a 4-H leader and member of Gideons International Auxiliary.

Above all, she was a loving and generous person who performed endless deeds of kindness for anyone she knew. Many visitors to her home would leave with angel food cake or a loaf of homemade bread.

Loving survivors include two daughters, Martha K. (Press) Berry of Cape Girardeau and Eileen (Paul "Butch") Meier of Jackson; two grandsons, Brian (Paula) Meier of Jackson and Greg (Lesley) Meier of Gordonville; two great-granddaughters, Josey Jo and Gracyn Lee Meier; a great-grandson, Tyler James Meier; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Albert Deneke; and a sister, Marguerite Nothdurft.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson, and after 9:30 a.m. Friday at Zion United Methodist Church in Gordonville.

The funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. on Friday at the church with the Rev. Joel Kidwell and the Rev. Don Kuehle officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Zion United Methodist Church of Gordonville, Gideons International or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.