Bertha Russ Diehl

Mother to Jacqueline (Jerry Gold) and Richard (Mary Julia), Grandmother to Brigid Cianfrani and Alexandra Gold, Great-grandmother to Sophia, Joey, Tommy, and Callum Cianfrani, Wife to Ralph (Jack) Diehl, and friend to many!

Bertha Russ Diehl was born on October 2, 1922 and passed away September 23, 2021 – nine days short of her 99th birthday. She was a resident of Dolgeville for 92 years and relocated to the West Coast to reside near her extended family, in Laguna Hills, California, for the next 6 years. Bertha loved her home, family, and many friends. She loved participating in so many things and remained active until her very last day. She was well-liked for her kindness, generosity, sense of fun, and purposefulness.

Bertha was involved in activities with many groups including her church (St. Joseph in Dolgeville), gardening, Red Hatters, Little Falls Hospital Volunteer, Kirby Library volunteer, women’s Bridge Club and Mah Jong games. She enjoyed knitting beautiful, cozy children’s sweaters for fundraisers (and great-grandchildren!)

Bertha had an amazing green thumb and cultivated a beautiful garden behind her home. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren have fond memories of her yard and creek, especially making s’mores at the side of the creek after hours of skipping slate in the water. Bertha was competitive and could count cards as well as any gambler in Vegas. She enjoyed all sorts of games and never hesitated to win, especially at scrabble. Bertha had beautiful, distinctive handwriting and was an excellent letter writer. She enjoyed watching sports on TV, especially golf and tennis.

We will remember her steadfastness and appreciation of the joy of life and family. Bertha was strong and healthy, enjoying amazingly long walks in Dolgeville for many, many years and shorter walks and her chair-exercise class here in California.

She had an excellent final day out in the world. Only after having had her hair done, having won at her penny card game, and having finished dinner and a vanilla cupcake at a birthday celebration for her granddaughter, Brigid – did she suffer a debilitating stroke, passing away one week later. We will carry her memory forever in our hearts. Bertha was a feisty and fun gem of a human.

According to her wishes, there will be a private burial in the family plot at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Dolgeville, New York, where she will be laid to rest with her husband, Ralph "Jack". 

Local arrangements are being handled by Miller-Plonka Funeral Home, 30 Wolf Street, Dolgeville, New York. 

To leave a message of sympathy for the Diehl Family, please sign the tribute wall within the website. 

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