Thelma Margaret Bergles

Thelma Margaret Bergles was born on January 26, 1929 in Large, PA, a daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Jester. She had a happy childhood, growing up surrounded by siblings, cousins and neighbors of whom she had many comical tales.

Always a hard worker, Thelma enjoyed keeping a job prior to becoming a homemaker and farmer. She was a caretaker by nature and once worked with children with complex medical needs at the former Children’s Home in Clairton, PA. She also spoke very fondly of her days working at her neighborhood A&P store in the 1940s.

On September 18, 1952, she married Rudolph Bergles, with whom she lived happily until his passing in 1992.

In 1956, Thelma and Rudy moved to a farm in Claysville, PA. Together, they raised a number of farm animals, primarily beef cattle. Thelma enjoyed planting flowers, including beautiful roses. She loved attending auctions, flea markets and thrift shopping. But her greatest joy in life were babies and children. She could often be found cradling the youngest family members.

She created a home that was always welcoming and open to her family at any time. “Grandma” always offered a listening ear and a stack of pancakes. Thelma treated every child she met like her own grandchild and was known as Grandma to many.

Thelma was one of eleven children, two of whom passed in infancy. Surviving is her younger brother, Wilford Jester.

She is preceded in death by her husband Rudolph Bergles and her beloved grandson Rudy Bergles, jr, both of whom she missed dearly.

Surviving are her children Daniel (Barbara) Bergles, Cheryl (Robert) Garrett, Rudy Bergles, sr and James Bergles, all of Washington county. She will be eternally missed by her grandchildren Daniel (Della) Bergles, jr, Joshua (Jennifer) Bergles, Beau (Deanna) Bergles, Ashley Bodner and Brooke (Seth) Jones and her many great grandchildren.
Her children would like to extend their deepest gratitude to those who helped to care for her in her last months, an act of kindness and dedication that allowed her to remain in her home, on the farm that she loved. They include granddaughters Ashley Bodner and Brooke Jones, great granddaughter Sophia Bergles and caregivers Janet, Margaret, Sam and Layla. They would also like to give their sincerest thanks to Gateway Hopsice, particularly nurse Megan Grice and aide Jennifer Naylor- their kindness, compasssion and dedication knew no bounds.

A graveside service will be held at Claysville Cemetery at 11:30 AM on Wednesday, December 7, 2022.