Ruby Bertsch

Ruby Lee Johnson Bertsch, 83 died peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, November 1, 2016 after a long battle with Dementia and Alzheimer's.

Ruby was born in Ellinger, Texas to Theofil and Elsie Zatopek. She graduated from LaGrange High School in 1950, excelled and received awards in volleyball. On June 20, 1970, she married Leon Bertsch in Ellinger. She was a loving and devoted mother of 6 children. She enjoyed cooking and baking, especially kolaches and tea rings. Leon and Ruby visited 49 states during their travels with Needville Travel and enjoyed dancing and leading the wedding grand march for friends and family.

The family will host a visitation on Sunday, November 6, 2016 from 2:00pm until 4:00pm with a rosary being recited at 3:30pm at Baker Funeral Home in West Columbia. Funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Sweeny with Father Wayne Wilkerson officiating and Father Daniel Baguio assisting, on Monday, November 7, 2016 at 10:00am with interment at St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Fayetteville, Texas at 3:30pm. Serving as pallbearers will be her grandsons, Jerrad Johnson, Kyle and Wade Nairn, Travis Bertsch and cousins, Jeffrey and Jonathan Cook. Honorary pallbearers will be grandson, Ross Nairn and son-in-law, Tim Goodrum.

Ruby is survived by her husband of 46 years, Leon Bertsch, and children Jerral Johnson and wife, Cindy of Bellville; Mike Bertsch and wife, Kelly of Sweeny; Mark Bertsch and wife, Patti of Bay City; Marie Nairn and husband, Ralph of Sweeny; Miron Bertsch and wife, Julie of Tomball; Melinda Goodrum and husband, Tim of Rosharon; niece, Elizabeth McGraw; 11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Aubrey Johnson, sister, Vivian Renner brother, Lanny Zatopek, and granddaughter, Haley Bertsch.

The family would like to thank the staff of Matagorda Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their kindness and compassionate care during the last 4 years. We would also like to thank Houston Hospice, OLPH Altar Society, St. John's Altar Guild, and many friends for their compassion, support and prayers.

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