[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 4 (Thursday, January 6, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E9]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING AND COMMENDING THE WONDERFUL LIFE OF VERNA ELIZABETH 
              ``RITCHIE'' BERTSCHE, ON HER 100TH BIRTHDAY

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                            HON. PAT FALLON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 6, 2022

  Mr. FALLON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend the 
wonderful Mrs. Verna Elizabeth ``Ritchie'' Bertsche. Verna Elizabeth 
was born on December 28, 1921, in the era of the Great Depression, and 
during the presidency of Warren G. Harding. She grew up during the time 
of the roaring twenties and during prohibition.
  Ritchie excelled in her academic studies, graduating from the 
University of Cincinnati, where she was also chosen to serve as 
president of her sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha. She married a decorated 
officer, Carl I. Bertsche, who served in Europe during World War II, 
having known him since their kindergarten days. She enjoyed her time 
serving as a pre-school teacher, before her children came along, and 
then worked part-time in Carl's business, PESCO, where she made a 
hugely valuable contribution in both an official and unofficial 
capacity. Well-known in her community as a dedicated volunteer, she has 
selflessly given 20 years of service at the Good Samaritan Hospital.
  In addition to her service to her community, she has been a generous, 
loving, and supportive mother to her two children, Patricia B. Deis-
Gleeson (who shares Verna's birthday), and Carl I. Bertsche Jr, both of 
whom are proud to call her Mom. Greater still are her five 
grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, to whom she is always 
showing a genuine and proud interest in their lives and achievements.
  Verna's wonderful memories of Jeeme Hipad, a club consisting of Doie 
and Bob Stacy, Betty and Nick Weisgarber, Helen and Bob Dhonau, Verna 
and Carl Bertsche, and Dottie and Phil Spiess. The club's name derives 
from the letters of their middle names and all the ladies in the club 
are also members of Zeta Tau Alpha. The club began meeting just for fun 
but ended up meeting right through the remainder of many of their 
lives. Jeeme Hipad activities encompassed World War II, the growth of 
their families, adapting to empty nest syndrome, right through to the 
passing of their spouses. A truly unique and special group.
  I have requested the United States flag be flown over our Nation's 
Capitol to recognize Verna Elizabeth ``Ritchie'' Bertsche's devotion to 
all that is good and wholesome in this life. May God bless Verna on her 
100th Birthday.

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