Annette Teresa “Toni” Bertke, age 79, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family.
Toni was born on June 4, 1946, in Shelby to the late Francis H. and Kathleen R. (Moore) Pittenger. She was a 1964 graduate of Shelby High School. She dedicated many years to serving others, including a decade at Meijer in Ontario, OH where her friendly spirit left a lasting impression on coworkers and customers alike.
Toni’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. As a devoted member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, she found strength, comfort, and purpose in her beliefs, living them out daily through her compassion and generosity.
More than anything, Toni was a woman who found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments. She could often be found cheering proudly from the sidelines at her grandchildren’s sporting events, her face beaming with love and encouragement. She enjoyed quiet days spent camping, fishing, tending to her garden, sewing with care, or working patiently on a puzzle. She was a loyal fan of the OSU Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns, celebrating their victories and enduring their losses with unwavering dedication.
Toni’s greatest joy, however, was her family. She treasured every moment spent together-whether at gatherings filled with laughter or in the quiet comfort of simply being near one another. Her love was constant, her presence comforting, and her legacy one of warmth, strength, and deep devotion. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who knew and loved her.
Toni is survived by her husband Thomas E. Bertke, whom she wed on October 16, 1965; three daughters Tonja (Todd) Cook of Canal Winchester, OH, Trisha (Val) Lopez of Hearne, TX, Tabitha (Tim) Harris of Loveland, OH; seven grandchildren, Casey, Brennan, and T.J. Cook, Andy Fagan, Danielle Sanchez, and Ben and Adam Harris; nine great-grandchildren; one sister, Jane (Charles) Sesco of Bellville, OH; two nephews, as well as many other friends and relatives.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Hugh Pittenger.
Friends and family may visit at Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory on Saturday, April 18th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. A funeral service will immediately follow with Father Chris Mileski officiating. Interment will be held at a later date in Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Society at PO Box 840692 Dallas, TX 75284-0692 at the American Cancer Society at PO Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741.
Online condolences may be made at www.barkdullfuneralhome.com.
The Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to assist the Bertke Family with funeral arrangements.
Funeral Home: Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory
Website: www.barkdullfuneralhome.com