Bertha May Bright Reichel – Monongahela

Bertha May Bright Reichel, 89, of Monongahela, passed away peacefully on Oct. 15, 2020, at the residence of her daughter in Coweta, Okla. She was born May 10, 1931, at home in Valley Inn, Carroll Township. She was the daughter of the late Frank and Sophie Kirschner Bright. Bertha was a graduate of Monongahela Senior High School, Class of 1949, and was married Nov. 18, 1950, to Albert H. Reichel Sr. A homemaker, she was a devoted wife caring for the home and raising three children, her two sons and a daughter. Bertha was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church of Monongahela, where she was a Sunday school teacher and for many years sang in the church choir, co-chaired church funeral dinners and made baptism napkins. She co-organized the Grace Lutheran Quilters, who for more than 35 years made and sold quilts in order to donate finances to the church and charity organizations. She also sewed very many lap robes, walker pockets and bibs to be donated to nursing homes and those in need and knitted head caps for preemie babies. Bertha was talented and skilled in many crafts, including sewing, needle work, crochet and knitting, which were among some of her favorites. On many occasions she taught others, having been a Cub Scout leader and a 4-H leader for girls, teaching them knitting, sewing and homemaking. Bertha was involved in several organizations. She with her husband enjoyed western-style square dancing and bowling with the Wednesday senior bowling league. Bertha was preceded in death by her brothers, Harry Bright, George Bright, Bud Bright, Ralph Bright and Charles Bright of Monongahela; and a sister, Mary Alice Rogers. In addition to her husband, Albert H. Reichel of Monongahela, with whom she had celebrated 69 years of marriage, she is survived by her sons, Albert H. (Mary) Reichel Jr. of Athens, Ala., and Michael L. Reichel of Monongahela; daughter, Michele “Shelly” (Thomas) Owens of Coweta, Okla.; five grandsons, Joshua, Derrick, Shaun, Cody and Casey; two granddaughters, Stephanie and Teresa; and two great-grandchildren, Kenadie and Jack. Friends will be received at MARSHALL MARRA FUNERAL HOME, 216 Chess St., Monongahela, 724-258-6767, marshallmarrafuneralhome.com, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020. At the family’s request, interment will be private and will be held in Monongahela Cemetery. Guests are asked to please abide by personal protective guidelines and social distancing.