Berdella Ruth Deitrich

Berdella R. Deitrich, age 91, went to be with her Lord, July 18, 2018.

Berdella was born September 24, 1926 to Matthew Rae and Gretta Ruth (Church) Welsford Sr., in Saginaw, Michigan. She graduated from Alma High School in 1944, and from Alma College in 1950.

Berdella taught for 32 years and ended her career at Fulton Public Schools. For ten years, she and Pete enjoyed wintering in Arizona. She loved playing the pipe organ, piano, and the dulcimer. She was a life member of the Ithaca chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. She also loved animals.

Berdella is survived by her children William (Jeanette) Gray of Newport, WA, Robert (Nancy) Gray of Spring Hill, FL, Deana (Doug) Schaffer of Alma; seven grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; brother Matthew R. Welsford of Ithaca; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband Pete; her parents; and great granddaughter Kerigan Hopper.

Interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Alma. The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.