REV. BERNEICE LETITIA HERR

Reverend Berneice L. Herr, age 81, of Columbia City, IN passed away peacefully at 5:10 p.m., Sunday, December 20, 2009 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Born on June 12, 1928 in DeKalb County, IN she was the daughter of Austin G. and Lula B. (Welsheimer) Sutton.She came to Whitley County when she was 1 year old. Her parents first lived in Union Township and later moved to Thorncreek Township. She graduated from Columbia City High School as Valedictorian of the Class of 1946. On June 20, 1947, she married John Benjamin Herr, Jr. in Columbia City, IN. She and her husband established their home on Hanna St., Columbia City, IN. She attended a Local Pastors' License to Preach School at DePauw in 1982 and finished the Candidacy Program. She completed a North Central Jurisdictional Course of Study for Local Pastors at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL., attending from 1983-1987. She was a part-time Fuller Brush dealer from 1966-1984. From 1970-1973 she taught at the First Church of God nursery school. From 1973-1980 she was a bookkeeper and retail salesperson at the Corral, Blue Bell retail factory and outlet store, Columbia City, IN. In 1981, she received the call to full time ministry and served as the Pastor of Etna United Methodist Church and West Point Trinity United Methodist Church until 1989. From 1990-1994, she served as Associate Pastor of Columbia City United Methodist Church.She is a member of the Columbia City United Methodist Church and has been active as a leader in the Girl Scouts, receiving the Hidden Heroines Award from the Indiana Lakeland Girl Scout Council, PTA, the United Methodist Women, Whitley County Church Women, precinct committeewoman, Associated Churches, she served as secretary-treasurer of the Whitley County Ministerial Association for four years and was also treasurer of the Whitley County Energy Assistance Fund. She was the founder and served as the first Executive Director of Helpline of Whitley County, IN. She was the recipient of three Heart of Gold Awards from the Whitley County Community Foundation and taught the Living Faith Sunday School class at Columbia City United Methodist Church for many years.Survivors include her husband, John Benjamin Herr, Jr. of Columbia City, IN; 2 daughters, Mary Patricia (Don) Chenoweth of Carrier Mills, IL; Rebecca L. Vogely of Portland, OR; 2 sons, Rev. David B. (Anita) Herr of Syracuse, IN; Daniel A. Herr of Fort Wayne, IN; 4 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, several half-brothers and half sisters.Visitation is 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN. Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 24, 2009 with one hour of calling prior at Columbia City United Methodist Church with Pastor Paul Arnold and Pastor Jean Ness officiating. Burial will follow at a later date. Memorials may be given in memory of Mrs. Herr to Whitley County Helpline or Columbia City United Methodist Church Building Fund. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.Click here to view video tribute**Video may take up to 2 minutes to load.

Steve and Kathy Linvill wrote on Dec 29, 2009:

"Dear Becky and family, We were so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother, Bernice. She had wonderful compassion for others and a great love of life. She was a great inspiration. May the Lord comfort you in your grief with the knowledge that she has gone Home.Steve, Kathy, and Katelyn Linvill"

Steve and Kathy Linvill wrote on Dec 29, 2009:

Bob & Marian Warner wrote on Dec 24, 2009:

"To all the family but most especailly to our friend Dan our most heart felt sympathy. Losing a loved one, especailly Mom, is tough but, know she is now resting in the loving arms of Jesus."

Bob & Marian Warner wrote on Dec 24, 2009:

"To all the family but most especailly to our friend Dan our most heart felt sympathy. Losing a loved one, especailly Mom, is tough but, know she is now resting in the loving arms of Jesus."

Edna Bates wrote on Dec 23, 2009:

"my prayers are for the family We were neighbors for a lot of years She will be sorely missed "

Jack Scott wrote on Dec 23, 2009:

"Dear Friends: Suzy and I send our warmest thoughts for your family. Bennie what a special mate for you. I remember how Berneice was a champion of the faith, and served well the church and the community. Her spirit will live on in the ministries she did so well. Helpline is because she was...God bless you Jack & Suzy Scott"

Deb Sievers wrote on Dec 23, 2009:

"My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to the Herr Family. My heart is heavy at the loss of such an amazing woman. I worked with Berneice with Helpline ministry when she first got it off the ground years ago. The passion she always had for people was evident in her loving actions. I was blessed to have known her and praise God for the life she led."

Randy Grimes wrote on Dec 23, 2009:

"To the Entire Herr Family;May each of you find courage to face tomorrow as you rest in the knowledge that we truly care about each of your needs and that we will walk beside you in your journey of grief. Randy Grimes and the Staff of DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home "

Edna Bates wrote on Dec 23, 2009:

"my prayers are for the family We were neighbors for a lot of years She will be sorely missed "

Jack Scott wrote on Dec 23, 2009:

Deb Sievers wrote on Dec 23, 2009:

Randy Grimes wrote on Dec 23, 2009:

Rev.Patricia Rae Kessel wrote on Dec 22, 2009:

"To the Herr family and especially to daughter, Becky. My prayers are with you as your dear mother has taken the final part of her journey home, literally. She was a person who took her Christian commitment seriously and who engaged in looking out for the lost, the least, and the last. Heaven is blessed by her presence, and we recall her dedication to ministry as she understood it. Rev.Patricia Rae Kessel, Portland, Oregon"

Patty (Ramp) Raypole wrote on Dec 22, 2009:

"To Ben and his children I am so sorry for your loss. Berneice was a wonderful person and we were all privileged to know her. She gave the service for my mothers funeral (Vera Ramp) and taught my children Sunday School at the old EUB church. My Mother and Father ( Paul Ramp) had deep respect for Berneice. She was indeed one of the truly special people we meet in life. Patty (Ramp) Raypole"

Becki A Vanderford wrote on Dec 22, 2009:

"Praise God there is a celebration in Heaven. Your mom had a wonderful spirit and helped many in her time here on Earth. Becky, you and your family are in my prayers, we love you. Becki, Mike and Cece."

Pat Knight and Family wrote on Dec 22, 2009:

"I am so sorry to hear of Paster Bernice`s passing. As busy as she was , she always had time for my mother the last few years of her life. She was there at my mother`s passing and I really appreciated it.We will be thinking of you."

Vivian Betts wrote on Dec 22, 2009:

"To the family of Berneice HerrI am very sad to read that Berneice has died. I knew her many years ago and what a wonderful person she always was. She helped so many people. Now she is at peace in heaven. May God Bless each of you and give you peace also. My deepest sympathyVivian"

Laura Gater wrote on Dec 22, 2009:

"Berneice will be greatly missed. She worked tirelessly at all she did to better our community. She kept the Community Christmas Celebration going when it seemed that no one else did, and she was also persistent in her work for Helpline. I'm sure she is being rewarded in Heaven right now. I'm glad I got to know her, and knew her for at least 10 years. My thoughts and prayers are with her family."

Ryan Daniel wrote on Dec 22, 2009:

"I'm so sad to hear about Rev. Berneice's passing. She was a great woman of faith. While she has passed, her legacy is sure to live on throughout the community through the programs served. Benny and the family will be in our prayers."

Karrie Gerber wrote on Dec 22, 2009:

"To the entire Herr Family,My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss. I considered it an honor to know Berniece and her family during the last few months of her life. "

Pat Rubrake Heinbaugh wrote on Dec 22, 2009:

"Whenever I think of Berneice, I think of the good that she has done, doing the work God had for her, the feeding, clothing, housing and teaching of His children. She will be missed."