Bernice Castleberry

Castleberry, Bernice Gertrude Ashley, 92 years, went home to the Lord on March 31, 2017. Gert was born October 12, 1924 in Science Hill, Kentucky but she and her husband of nearly 60 years, Gael Castleberry, made their home in Mount Washington in the Cincinnati area. Gert worked at Ohio National Life Insurance in Cincinnati for nearly 40 years until her retirement in 1980. During retirement she and Gael loved to garden, travel, fish, bike and spent their time with family. Gert served as an Usher at Faith United Church of Christ for many years and was avidly involved in community and church activities. She is well remembered for playing Amazing Grace on her harmonica and charming all in her family and church community. When asked by friends and family what comes to mind when they remember Gert, the list is long: enduring peacemaker, gentle and kind, charming and insightful, sensitive and supportive, a decisive person who was considerate, loving, full of grace and devotion; in short, a steadfast true friend. Gert is survived by sister-in-law, Myra Jean Ashley, and four generations of nieces and nephews including Jim (wife Cynthia) Ashley, Kim Susann Ashley, Patti (husband Ted) Kappers, Kathy (husband Bill) Martin, Neal Secrist (wife Diana), Perry (wife Liddia) Secrist, Richard (wife Alexis) Secrist and Elizabeth (husband Leonard) Watkins. Gert is preceded in death by her husband Gael, sisters, Katie Mae Secrist, Geneva Ruth Ashley, and sister-in-law, Rita Ashley; brothers, Kenneth Ashley and George Ashley, and her niece, Geneva Mae Nixon. Service at TP WHITE & SONS Funeral Home 2050 Beechmont Ave. Mt. Washington on Fri. April 7, at 1 PM. Friends may visit on Fri. from 12 Noon to 1 PM with officiating Pastor Ken Weidinger followed by internment at My Moriah Cemetery. There will be a gathering at Faith United Church of Christ following for family and friends. A special thanks to the staff at the Residence of Salem Woods for the excellent and loving care given to our beloved Aunt Gert this past year. She was content and happy in your care. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Hospice of Cincinnati or the Greater Cincinnati Alzheimers Association.