Bertha Lucille Gravink

Bertha Gravink, age 98, of 113 Doughty Road, Meadville, Pa. died on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2020 at Wesbury United Methodist Community. She was born November 23, 1922 in Corry, Pa., a daughter of David and Bertha Bensink. She married Edwin Gravink on June 15, 1945. He preceded her in death on October 18, 1998. She retired in August 1982 from Crawford Central School District, having taught 36 years. During her later teaching years, she also taught Adult Basic Education in the evenings for 8 years. She loved being with children and promoting their interests and skills. After she retired, she taught preschool classes at the Y.W.C.A. She was a graduate of Corry High School and a graduate of Edinboro State College. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Meadville and she participated in the Bible Study Group. She was a member of the Thesaurus Reading Club of Meadville and the Meadville Woman’s Club. She enjoyed visiting her family in California. She enjoyed great friendships with her kind and friendly neighbors. She loved the outdoors. She cross country skied, hiked trails, tended her flower gardens, and played yard games with her family and neighbors. When traveling to California, her joy was spending time with her son, Douglas, his wife, Antonia, and her four wonderful grandchildren, Chris, Trevor, Anthony, and Nico. She is survived by one son, Douglas Gravink, and his wife, Antonia of California and four grandchildren, Christopher Gravink of Arizona, Trevor Gravink, Anthony Gravink, and Nico Gravink, all of California. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Edwin, Bertha was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Donald Bensink, Harold Bensink, and David Bensink. Additionally, she was preceded by three sisters, Helen Wassink, Bernice Stoddard, and Ruth Holthouse and her sister-in-law, Marion Bensink. A private funeral will be conducted on Saturday, December 5, 2020 by Minister Brian Jensen of The First Presbyterian Church. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. State mandates regarding visit limitations, mask wearing, and social distancing will be observed. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Meadville, 890 Liberty Street, Meadville Pa. 16335 or to a charity of the donor’s choice. The arrangements have been entrusted to the Ryan M. Warren Funeral Home , 544 Chestnut Street, Meadville. Please take a moment to share a memory or condolence with the family on Bertha’s Book of Memories at www.warrenfh.com