Ellen Jean Bertsch

Ellen Jean Bertsch, 76, of Griffith, IN passed away on Sunday, Februrary 6, 2011 with her family by her side. She was born October 4, 1934 in Earlham, Iowa to Leslie & Mariana (nee:Jurgensen) Secrest. She married Robert Eugene Bertsch on June 21, 1953 in Crown Point, IN and he survives. Ellen & Robert's marriage was blessed with three children. A daughter: Teresa (James) Durbin and sons: Gary Bertsch and Brian (Mary Ann) Bertsch. She also leaves to mourn her passing four grandchildren: Cheryl Blythe, Derek Blythe, Amanda Bertsch and Alyssa Bertsch. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister: Shirley Shaw and brother: Greg Secrest. Also preceded by a grandson: Christopher Blythe. She loved her life as "Grammy Ellen", especially giving her the opportunity to babysit often for her second families for 27 years. She was in harmony with her natural passion to sew, cross stitch and crochet. During nice weather, you could often find Ellen tending to her flowers. She will be remembered for her love of shopping, considered by those close to her to be a "professional shopper". She also loved cruises, stage shows and vacations, and was especially fond of Clearwater Beach FL and Disney World. She would always welcome the chance to dine out with family and friends. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, February 10, 2011 at the Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 8178 Cline Avenue, Schererville, IN. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday, February 10, 2011 from 12:00 Noon until the time of service. As per Ellen's wishes, cremation will follow at a later time.