Ella Mae (Vander Wall) Bernia

Ella Mae (Vander Wall) Bernia, age 87 of Grand Haven, passed away on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at a local care facility surrounded by family. She was born on July 30, 1931 in Grand Haven to the late Henry and May (Parchert) Vander Wall. Ella married Steven Bernia on February 26, 1949 in Grand Haven and they had two sons and three daughters. Steven preceded her in death on August 20, 1986.

Ella was a life-long area resident who attended Spring Lake High School and was a member of St. Patrick’s/ St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. She loved all types of flowers and in her younger years, she loved being outside and working in her garden. Ella also enjoyed reading and working on word search and jigsaw puzzles. She will be lovingly remembered and missed by her family and friends.

Ella is survived by her children, Steven (Marie) Bernia of Grand Haven, Kathy (Mark) Reischling of Wylie, TX, Mike (Joyce) Bernia of Temperance, MI, Mary (Bill) Schultz of Grand Haven, and Carol (Dan) Raggl of Grand Haven; 11 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband and brothers: Stuart, Henry Jr., Gordon, and Melvin Vander Wall; and sister, Mabel Bray.

The Funeral Service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 15, 2019 at Klaassen Family Funeral Home with Pastor Richard Brest officiating. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, 2019 and one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be at Grand Haven Township Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be given to Hospice of North Ottawa Community or Alzheimer’s Association of Michigan. 

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