Bertha J. Garland, 53, of Lima, Ohio, passed away Saturday, October 23, 2010 at Shawnee Manor in Lima, Ohio. She was born August 16, 1957 in Bellefontaine, Ohio, to the late George and Nettie (Slusher) Garland. 

She is survived by sisters, Sandy Murphy of Lima and Anita Salyer of Bellefontaine; nieces and nephews, Michael and Ricky (Brandi) Salyer and Anna (Gary) Dolan, all of Bellefontaine and Christy Murphy of Lima; and numerous great nieces and nephews. 

A medical assistant, Bertha attended the Lima Community Church and the First Church of God in Bellefontaine. She devoted her life as a minister, singer and wrote a lot of her own music. She loved animals and loved to cook. 

Calling hours are Friday, October 29, 2010 from 6 to 8 P.M. at the Eichholtz Funeral Home in Bellefontaine, where Pastor C.J. Plogger will officiate the funeral service at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, October 30, 2010 with one hour of visitation prior to the service. Burial will follow the funeral service in the Bellefontaine Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.