Walled Lake, Michigan, September 14, 2025
News Summary
Walled Lake, Michigan mourns the loss of Bertha D. King, a cherished community leader and educator who passed away at 97. Known for her kindness, volunteer work at local schools, and dedicated family life, Bertha’s legacy of selflessness and community engagement will be remembered fondly by those she touched. Her contributions as a Media Specialist and involvement in organizations like the Parent-Teacher Association shaped the lives of many students. Visitation and funeral services are planned for September 18 and 19, respectively.
Walled Lake, Michigan – Bertha D. King, a beloved community leader and educator, passed away peacefully at the age of 97 on September 7, 2025. Her legacy of kindness, selflessness, and dedicated service to both her family and her community leaves a lasting impact on those who knew her.
Born on January 10, 1928, in Thessaloniki, Greece, Bertha was the daughter of Carl Mitchell (Kyriakos Misailides) and Rose Mitchell (Garifalyia Drosopoulos). When she was just 18 months old, Bertha and her mother immigrated to Michigan to join her father, who had come earlier to create a home for the family.
Tragedy struck when Bertha was ten years old, as she and her younger sister became orphans and were placed in foster homes by the Children’s Aid Society. Despite these early hardships, Bertha adapted to her changing circumstances and formed lasting relationships throughout her foster experiences.
In her adult life, Bertha met Richard King, who became the love of her life. They were married for 49 years until his passing. Together, they raised four sons: Richard (Kathy), David, Robert, and Matthew (Nicole). Bertha was actively involved in her sons’ lives, frequently attending their school events and sporting activities.
Bertha’s dedication to her community was evident through her extensive volunteer work. She participated actively in Voting Precincts, served as a census poll worker, and was involved with the Parent-Teacher Association and Scouts. Additionally, she contributed to the Wixom Historical Society. For more than 20 years, she worked at Glengary Elementary School, where she cherished the role of Media Specialist. Many former students fondly remember her library and her companion, ‘Broderick the Mouse.’
Outside her professional commitments, Bertha was passionate about various hobbies, including bowling and gardening, where she often won awards in her neighborhood. Her engagement with her church community included service on various committees and adventurous outings, such as whitewater rafting with the youth group, even in her later years.
Bertha is survived by her four sons, five grandchildren—Megan (Greg) Ristau, Chad (Elli), Brian (Amanda), Jaime (Stephen) Rosenberg, and Colin McGrath—and four great-grandsons: Tyler, Nathan, Parker, and Julian. Additionally, she is survived by her niece, Christina Kittridge, and her son Brad. Bertha was preceded in death by her parents, sister Daisy, husband Richard Sr., and beloved daughter-in-law Lisa.
The family expressed deep gratitude to their in-home caregivers, including Kim, Deborah, Althea, and Joy, for their supportive care. Heartfelt thanks were also given to Lindsay, Heidi, Tyler, Jen, and Sade from Luminary Hospice for their compassion during her passing.
Visitation services will be held at Lynch Funeral Home in Walled Lake on Thursday, September 18, from 3 to 8 p.m. Bertha’s funeral is scheduled for Friday, September 19, at Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church in Wolverine Lake at 11 a.m., with visitation beginning one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bertha King’s name to the Shepherd of the Lakes Choir and Fellowship Fund or a charity of choice.
FAQ
What were Bertha D. King’s significant contributions?
Bertha D. King was a respected community leader, educator, and dedicated volunteer in roles such as a Media Specialist, church committee member, and active participant in various local organizations, including the PTA and Wixom Historical Society.
When and where will the visitation and funeral services be held?
Visitation will occur on Thursday, September 18, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Lynch Funeral Home in Walled Lake. The funeral services are scheduled for Friday, September 19, at 11 a.m. at Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church in Wolverine Lake, with an hour of visitation preceding the service.
How can someone honor Bertha D. King’s memory?
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bertha King’s name to the Shepherd of the Lakes Choir and Fellowship Fund or another charity of choice.
Key Features of Bertha D. King’s Life
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | January 10, 1928 |
| Birthplace | Thessaloniki, Greece |
| Age at Passing | 97 years |
| Key Roles | Media Specialist, Community Volunteer |
| Number of Sons | Four |
| Number of Grandchildren | Five |
| Number of Great-Grandsons | Four |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- The Oakland Press: Bertha D. King Obituary
- Wikipedia: Community Service
- The Oakland Press: Bertha D. King Tribute
- Google Search: Community Leaders in Michigan
- The Oakland Press: Community Contributions of Bertha King
- Google Scholar: Educators and Community Volunteers
- The Oakland Press: Legacy of Bertha D. King
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
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