Bertha Ann Hyster, 70, Lifelong Resident

Born March 1, 1931 in South Amherst, she has been a lifelong resident of South Amherst.

She was a housewife, mother, and a member of Nativity Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, South Amherst, where she was baptized and raised. She was also a member of the Altar and Rosary Society at the church. Mrs. Hyster and her husband were founders of "Digger Excavating". The company coined many of Diggers phrases including "What you learn today has a lot to do with how much you earn tomorrow." and "Sorry you can't find us in the yellow pages, we're out working." which were used in ads. She was an avid "granny and very involved in her grandchildren's lives. She also enjoyed reading.

Survivors include her husband, Alex "Digger" Joseph Hyster; sons Daniel, David, and Donn Hyster, all of South Amherst; daughters Marriane Pellittieri of South Amherst, Alexis Sheets and GIna Irvin, both of South Amherst; 17 grandchildren; and sisters Lucy Costanzo of South Amherst, Julia Adams of Lorain, and Marie Standen of Wellington.
She was preceded in death by her son Douglas James in 1976; her daughter Sharon Ann Zunt in 1999; her parents Mike and Rose (nee Blank) Costanzo; by her brothers Angelo, Nick, Tony Hyster; and by her sister Ruth Ann Richards.

Friends may call Friday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Hempel Funeral Home, 373 Cleveland Ave., Amherst. Closing prayer will be held Saturday at 9:30 a.m. from the funeral home and funeral services to follow at 10:00 a.m. from nativity Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church; 333 South Lake St., South Amherst. The Rev. Fr. Denis St. Marie, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Nativity Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church; 333 South Lake St., South Amherst 44001.