Mrs. Bertram was my Guidance Counselor when I was in high school (1980).  I was having a lot of difficulty at home and she helped me find a place to live (with a wonderful teacher) for my senior year.  She must have handled it with a great amount of finesse because my step-dad was a local political official and others in the community turned a blind eye.  I often think of her and how grateful I am for really seeing and hearing me.  She was definitely one of the angels in my life.

Dear Mark & Kim,

As a child, I boarded my horses at a farm located north of Greencastle.  For a short time, Bette also had  a few horses there.   One of her horses was a beautiful, large chestnut with a flaxen mane and tail who used to charge anyone coming into his pasture.  He'd come galloping up with his head snaked out, ears pinned and teeth exposed like he was going to trample you half to death!  I watched, amazed, as Bette would calmly enter his paddock, chastise him firmly, and put his halter on.  He'd follow her out of the gate with no further mischief.  

Bette was quite the horsewoman.  I have  fond memories of riding horses together in the fields and trails along the river.  She was  quick to offer horse advice, and always had a kind word of encouragement for those who shared her passion. 

Once she moved her horses and family to "Chad" valley, and we stayed in touch through mutual activities throughout the years;   Mark Kelly Wood (my son) and Mark Bertram were in scouts together, Kim competed in horse shows, and Bette's husband Louis and my father worked together at IBM.   

Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss.  I know Bette will be missed by all of her family, friends and colleagues.  Happy Trails Bette, until we meet again.



Sorry for your loss,  I had just meet Bette in February as a volunteer at wellbrooke I enjoyed talking with her I could see her love for history what a sweet lady 

I met Bette for the first time when running for office.  She provided support and guidance to me then and over the years since.  I have fond memories debating issues with her, volunteering at the county fair with her, and enjoying political fundraisers with her.  She was a true servant leader and had such dedication and love for the community and everyone in it.  I am thankful for the small amount of time I knew Bette and recognize the impact she made on so many.  I will certainly miss her. 

Dear Mark and Kim,

When I visited Bette in April, we shared stories and poetry; talked about teaching, gratitude, beauty and love. Together we wondered about life's miracles and mysteries. After sharing memories of loved ones who have passed, we speculated about the transition into the afterlife. Bette observed there are many things about our journey that we cannot know with certainty and summarized this path of not knowing as: "We can only LIVE it."  Today she has the answers she was looking for during our conversation. I will forever remember her beauty, her curiosity, her questions, her guidance and her love.

In sorrow, I am reminded that Bette exists now ~ in all of our lives ~ as LOVE.  We will all become LOVE eventually. 

May you also find peace and solace in the love of family and friends who are dear to you. 

Cindra (niece)


May you find comfort in some of the ideas & words that were a part of our visit: 

"At the moment of this transition, you are never, ever alone. You are never alone now, but you don't know it. But at the time of transition, your guides, your guardian angels, people whom you have loved and who have passed on before you, will be there to help you. We have verified this beyond a shadow of a doubt, and I say this as a scientist."
~ Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

"We are travelers on a cosmic journey, stardust, swirling and dancing in the eddies and whirlpools of infinity. Life is eternal. We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share. This is a precious moment. It is a little parenthesis in eternity."
~ Paulo Coelho

"LIFE is finite and fragile, and just because something is there one day, it might not be the next. Never take that for granted. Say what you need to say, then say a little more. Say too much. Show too much. Love too much. Everything is temporary but love. LOVE outlives us all."    
~ R. Queen


Mrs. Bertram was my counselor in the 60’s.  I have always been grateful to her for convincing me to go to college.  She was a great woman.  My condolences to her friends and family.

My Mother, Elva Porter, has passed away (February 2017).  She used to babysit for Bette's two children and she loved the family.  So sorry for your loss.  She will be sadly missed at the Clinton Center Alumni banquet!

To all the family and friends of my Great Aunt Bette.  I wish you comfort and love.   There is no one else like Aunt Bette. I grew up hearing about all the things she'd done. She blew me away. I'm so glad for all the times I got to be in her company. Such a strong heart.  Rest in Peace Great Aunt Bette. 


Dear Kim - We are sorry and deeply saddened by your family's tremendous loss. I have many wonderful horse show memories of your mom back when you and I were much younger.  Those were great times.  Please know you are being held close in thought and prayer during this painfully difficult time. Sending our heartfelt condolences and many hugs for all.

I remember Bette when I was in high school.  My memories of her are clear--she was always helpful when I had questions.   I know she will be missed by all who came into contact with her.  My condolences to her family. 

Betty was  such an inspiration to so many. I had the pleasure of having her as my councilor GHS, she made such an impact on my life. Prayers of comfort to the family

We are praying for the the family as we know my dad and Barb will be waiting to see and talk to Bette.  There were many times i would be at dads house and Bette would walk over to set and talk to them and i so enjoyed when she had her horses at her house and would go over to see them.  She will be missed in Chadd Valley and i would like to let the family know we will be thinking of them.

OBITUARY

Bette W. Bertram

Bittles & Hurt Funeral Home

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