Bertha B. Muench

Livonia, NY- Bertha B. Muench, a former resident of Scio, NY, passed away on June 24, 2017 at Conesus Lake Nursing Home.  She was born December 7, 1923, the daughter of the late John E. and Mildred I. (VanHorn) Buzzard, Sr.  In 1942, she married Ralph S. Muench, who predeceased her in 2002.

Bertha was born in Friendship, NY, where her father owned the Chevrolet dealership.  She had a keen mind and enjoyed reading, word challenges, and crossword puzzles.  She employed the dying art of letter writing and was known for her faithful remembrance of birthdays and special occasions. A person of varied talents, Bertha was seldom idle and regularly learned new skills, taking classes in quilting and even chair caning.  Bertha’s greatest joy came through her interactions with people.  She was a warm, social person whose capacity for love and friendship spanned both age and relation. Her smile was genuine and her arms were open. 

Bertha was a Nutrition Site Manager in Alfred, NY for many years with the Office for the Aging.  After raising her family of 8 children on Grand Island, NY, she retired to Scio, NY where she worked for the US Postal Service as a rural route deliverer.  She was a member of St. Joseph’s Altar & Rosary Society, the Schoolhouse Quilters guild, and the 20-20 Investment Group.  

She is survived by seven children, Albert H. (Linda) Muench of Friends Lake, NY; Mary T. “Tess” Hoyer of Belmont, NY; Frances A. Russell of Newton Falls, OH; Elizabeth M. Bill of Crystal Lake, IL; Dr. Jean Muench (Capt. Bruce Kinney) of Snellville, GA; Angela M. Dunham of Wellsville, NY; and Richard E. Muench (Susan) of Livonia, NY; a brother, Harry E. Buzzard of Rochester, NY; and three sisters, Viola B. Mix of Tallahassee, FL; Ruth E. Kensinger Jr. of Kissimmee, FL; and Mary Ann Fanton of Panama City, FL. She is also survived by her 19 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents and husband, Bertha was predeceased by her brother, John E. Buzzard Jr.; sister, Lois H. Stillman; son, Joseph E. Muench; and her granddaughter, Jenny Bill Mahaffey.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, June 29th from 5-8 PM at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville, NY.  A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, June 30th at 11:00 AM at the St. Joseph’s Oratory in Scio, NY.  Bertha will be buried next to her son, Joseph, at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.  Memorial donations may be made to the Allegany County Office for the Aging or any charity of the donor’s choice.  To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com