Bertha I. Hamilton

Bertha Irene (Slusser) Hamilton, Age 85, passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center. Bertha was born March 26, 1939 in Berwick, PA the daughter of the late Clark F. Slusser and Ethel Inez Kelchner. She was a graduate of local schools and was married to the late James E. Hamilton, Sr. Bertha was retired from the Litton Industries “L3” in Williamsport, PA where she was employed from 1974 until 1999 in the manufacturing Cathode Tubes.

Bertha was a foster parent to many children over the years. She enjoyed crocheting and had given away hundreds of baby’s blankets over the years. Always on the go she was a member of the Red Hat Society, a Compeer Volunteer and in her spare time liked visiting casinos, playing bingo, having lunch at the Wellsburg Diner with her many friends. Bertha was always known for her quick wit and telling it like it is. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Survivors include her children, James B. (Cathy) Hamilton, Jr., Patricia A. (Bruce) Blakeslee, foster children, Helen (Ricky) Waldrop, Mark (Armida) Zerfing, Jackie (Chuck) Engle, and many other foster children over the years, grandchildren, Tyler Blakeslee, Bruce Blakeslee, Jr., Morgan (Gage) Lewis, Sydney (Thomas) Blakeslee, Brock Blakeslee, Ricky (Bobbi) Hamilton, Erin (Jay) Prindle, Jenn (Randy) Glunk, eight great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, Ahmonza Hunter (From the Compeer Program), sisters, Connie Sexton, Debbie Thennes, Cindy Gensel, many nieces nephews and cousins. She is also survived by her fur babies Bentley and Barbie.

Bertha was predeceased by her parents, husband, James B. Hamilton, Sr, and a brother, William Slusser and her grandson Connor Patrick Blakeslee.

Services are private and under the direction of the Olthof Funeral Home, 1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, Elmira, NY 14904. She and her husband James will be laid to rest at the convenience of the family in Twin Hills Memorial Park, Montoursville, PA.  Memorials in Bertha’s memory may be made to the Chemung County SPCA, NY Route 352, Elmira, NY 14903.