Obituaries
Bertha M. (Gaul) Wilds, 86
October 27, 2024
Bertha M. (Gaul) Wilds, 86, of Willow Street, PA, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2024, at Pleasant View Retirement Community surrounded by family. Up until the end she maintained her kindness, grace, compassion, and love for her family.
She was born in Nickel Mines, PA, to the late Ruth M. (Shultz) and Earl E. Gaul. She grew up in Paradise with her 3 siblings and attended a one-room school house. In addition to being a homemaker caring for children (hers and others), she worked at Woolworths, was a bus driver, and kitchen staff at Vo-Tech.
Bertha had an uncanny ability to show you how extraordinary an ordinary life could be, and she truly lived life to its fullest through simple pleasures, like cooking. She was well-known for her Chicken Corn Soup, Chicken Pot Pie, Halupki and Whoopie Pies, which were family favorites. She enjoyed camping and traveling throughout the United States with her favorite place being Orlando, Fl. to visit Disney, Epcot, etc. Her favorite time of the year was Christmas with decorations going up in Nov. and coming down in Feb.
She was a long-time member of the New Providence UCC and was deeply involved in her community. She was a founding member and officer of the Lancaster Co. Mothers of Twins Club; a Girl Scout leader, a director and treasurer of Willow Street Midget Cheerleading, a treasurer for the Lancaster County Cruisers, a member of the L-S Band Parent Booster Club, Flossie’s Floozies (Red Hat Club) and the Guys and Dolls, to name a few.
Bertha is survived by her beloved husband, Fred W. Wilds II, and her children, Margaret-Ann Hess (Brian) of Conestoga, Melissa-Ann Kolessar (Andrew Guthrie) of Ephrata, and Michelle L. Hahn (David) of Manheim. She was a cherished grandmother to Kayleena L. Hess, Brianna N. Lehman, Tyler B. Hess, Abigail M. Shaub, Gabrielle N. Hahn, and Zachary L. Hahn, and a loving great-grandmother to five, with one more on the way. Bertha was preceded in death by her first husband, Ivan Kolessar, a brother, Walter Gaul, and sister, Diane Boozer.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. this Monday, November 4, 2024, at the Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home and Crematory, 2421 Willow Street Pike, Willow Street, PA 17584. Family and friends will be received from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will follow at Boehms United Methodist Cemetery.
To commemorate Bertha’s love of children and Christmas, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Toys for Tots.
Bertha’s legacy lives on in her love for family, community, and the joy she brought to those around her.
Watch the tribute videoLeave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
March 10, 2025
I belatedly learned of Bertha’s passing and wanted to send my condolences to you all. I was a fellow Floosie’s Floosie and enjoyed seeing her big smile, her kind words and laughter whenever we got together. Take good care. Nadine L.
December 16, 2024
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Bertha was a fun loving and cheerful person! Will always remember fondly our times as Flossie’s Floosies! She hosted some fun events. I especially remember her card making parties, and the mystery dinner she hosted. We also enjoyed talking with her and Fred at the various car shows. She will be missed. Donna and Chuck Kilgore
November 04, 2024
Fred, Missy, Margie, Michelle….thinking about You all often …
Thank you for the wonderful memories…the wrestling team parties after we won the section twice …….and the wonderful times coaching the Wolverines….Bertha will always have a spot in my heart ❤️
Thank you and love to you all.
Andrew Eichelberger
November 04, 2024
Fred & Daughters, My Condolences on Bertha’s passing. I just happened to click on ‘Services Today’ in the online LNP, and saw that Bertha’s Funeral Service is today. Unfortunately, I had previously agreed to take several Friends to Camp Hilll today, and it’s too late to back out now, or I would be at her Service. I have very fond memories of years of our Family Reunions at your home. I wish you all well.
Sincerely,
Pat Shultz Donoghue
November 02, 2024
Fred, my condolences to you and your family of the loss of your wife. She was a very nice lady . Sincerely, Brian Metzler
November 01, 2024
Fred and family:
Fred and family: I am sorry for your loss of your beautiful, loving wife, Bertha. I was saddened to see she had passed; but knowing without a doubt she is now in the arms of her Lord and healed from her challenges. Please know I am keeping you all in prayer during this time of grief.
Mary Burger
November 01, 2024
Fred and family, so sorry for your loss, you all have great memories .
Maryann Jordahl
November 01, 2024
Fred and all family
my prayers go out to all of you ! We too will miss Birthas laughing and all the good times here in Oklahoma and our trips to PA
she will greatly be missed! We also know we will see her again someday
All my love & prayers for strength for all of you!
Ellen Winegardner
October 30, 2024
Fred and family, my deepest sympathy for your loss. Bertha was a lovely person and I know how deeply she will be missed..God bless..Sue Strickler
October 30, 2024
Dear Fred, Family, and Relatives. My thoughts and Prayers are with you in the loss of your dearly beloved family member. Bertha will be greatly missed, but not forgotten. I will always remember what a truly nice, and pleasant person Bertha was in all my times seeing her and speaking to her during PA Guard functions when family members were invited. I will keep you all in my Prayers. Sincerely, Brian S. Melsom
October 30, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She raised some wonderful daughters! My memories of your family go way back to L-S days. You were loved and a source of pride to your mom. May your memories sustain you as you grieve this loss. I wish all of your families and your father my best.
Donna Popo
October 30, 2024
Dear Fred and family, Sending my sympathy to each of you upon the loss of Bertha! Remembering many times we shared as neighbors and church members!
Yvonne Beck
- Visitation
- Monday, November 04, 2024
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home & Crematory
- 2421 Willow Street Pike
- Willow Street, PA 17584
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Monday, November 04, 2024
- 11:00 AM
- Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home and Crematory
- 2421 Willow Street Pike
- Willow Street, PA 17584
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions >
