Bernice H. Rettele, 83, of Centralia, Kansas, died Saturday evening, May 26, 2007 at Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka, after a brief illness.

She was born east of St. Benedict, Kansas, on May 3, 1924, the daughter of Bernard J. and Pauline Runnebaum Osterhaus. Bernice graduated 8th grade from Rock School, attended the Seneca Public School for two years, and then began helping area families in their homes. She also worked for Paramount Cleaners in Seneca for three years.

On May 6, 1946, she married Anthony A. “Bucky” Rettele at St. Mary’s Church in St. Benedict. They lived and farmed northeast of Kelly for two years and then moved to the farm where they spent their lives, three miles east of Centralia. The couple had one son, Robert.

After 46 years of marriage, her husband Bucky preceded her in death on December 11, 1992. Bernice continued to live on the farm with her son until August of 2005 when became a resident of Crestview Manor care home in Seneca.

Bernice was a member of St. Bede’s Catholic Church and St. Ann’s Altar Society at the church in Kelly.

Bernice was a dedicated employee at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital, working in the laundry department for 25 years.

She was a private individual who treasured her son. She had many hobbies and enjoyed a good card game. She was very talented at embroidering and crocheting. Embroidering projects included sets of hand towels, which she donated to the church and gave to family and friends. She was also an avid quilter, working entirely by hand. She had just completed her last quilt this April. If she wasn’t doing quilting, embroidering, or ceramics, she also stayed busy in the garden, transplanting and starting her beautiful African violets.

Bernice is survived by her son Robert “Bob” of Centralia; a brother Gilbert Osterhaus of Seneca; and three sisters, Lucille Winkler and Edna “Eddy” Love, both of Seneca, and Edith Kongs of Wetmore.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her brother Leonard Osterhaus.

Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Tuesday at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 AM Wednesday, May 30, at St. Bede’s Church in Kelly. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be given for the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital or St. Bede’s Church, and sent in care of the family.