Berneta L. Lence, 78, Former "Rosy the Riverter"

She was born October 4, 1925 in Birmingham where she was raised and graduated form high school. After her marriage, she moved to South Amherst and has since lived there.

After graduation, she worked as a “Rosy the Riverter” during World War II and then attended Oberlin Business College. She was employed for Bendix Westinghouse for a short time.

Berneta was a member of Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Church in South Amherst where she was active in the Altar and Rosary Society. She enjoyed bowling and was a member of the Nativity Bowling League and the Park Ave. Lane League. In addition to being a homemaker, she was an accomplished seamstress; enjoyed crocheting, and loved indoor and outdoor gardening.

Survivors include her sons: John “Jack” W. Lence of Elyria, and Robert A. Lence of Cincinnati; daughters: Patricia O’Dor of Englewood, Fl., Jayne Kirchner of Grafton, and Judith Cummings of Avon; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years: John Henry Lence on December 26, 2002; her parents: Alfred and Bertha Fleming (nee Wilbur); and four brothers and four sisters.

Friends may call Friday from 204 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 with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10 a.m. at Nativity Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church; 333 South Lake Street, South Amherst. Rev. Fr. Tom Cleaton, pastor of St. Mary the Immaculate Conception Church in Avon will officiate. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Amherst.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the New Life Hospice Center of St. Joseph; 5255 North Abbe Road, Elyria, OH 44035.

Arrangements are being handled by the Hempel Funeral Home; 373 Cleveland Ave., Amherst, OH 44001.