obit-thumbnail

Bertha E. Phebus

September 8, 1922 - July 18, 2025
Visitation
Thompson, Hall & Jordan Funeral Home
11400 Winton Rd
Forest Park, OH 45240
513-742-3600 |
Monday 7/28, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Cemetery
Dayton National Cemetery
4400 W. Third St.
Dayton, OH 45428
Thursday 7/31, 10:00 am

Bertha Phebus, 102 years old, of Cincinnati, Ohio, died July 18, 2025. Bertha was born September 8, 1922, in St. Anne, Illinois, to Henry and Cora Eggen. Eldest of eight children, she was predeceased by her siblings: Henry (Hank), Ed (Sonny), Delbert, Edward, Norma, Juanita (Wads), and Loretta (Lori). Bertha was also preceded in death by her husband, Dale Phebus, and daughters Violet Marie and Lorraine Jean. She is survived by her son-in-law Ray Cleavinger, her grandchildren: Loraine Vinson (Kevin), Brian Cleavinger, and Tamara Cleavinger, five great grandchildren and five great, great grandchildren.

Since the age of fifteen, Bertha was known for her Christianity and her work to further the Kingdom of God. There wasn’t a person who she would talk to that didn’t know about God, the churches she attended, or her testimony. She had different ministries throughout her life, including feeding hundreds of the homeless in Tampa Florida, cooking and baking for church functions, helping with building funds to support the word of God. She had many passions, a world traveler, poetry writing, politics, baking and cooking for friends and her loved ones, telling stories of a hard childhood that she now could smile and share with others who enjoyed hearing.

Visitation will be held at Thompson, Hall and Jordan Funeral Home, 11400 Winton Rd., Forest Park, OH 45240, July 28, 2025, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Graveside service is July 31, 2025, 10:00 am, at the Dayton National Cemetery, 4400 W Third St., Dayton, OH 45428.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her memory to The Calvary Church, 11970 Kenn Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45240, thecalvarychurch.com.

Send Flowers Plant a Tree
Visitation
Thompson, Hall & Jordan Funeral Home
11400 Winton Rd
Forest Park, OH 45240
513-742-3600 | Map
Monday 7/28, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Cemetery
Dayton National Cemetery
4400 W. Third St.
Dayton, OH 45428
Map
Thursday 7/31, 10:00 am
Charity
Make a Memorial Donation
Donate Now

Bertha Phebus, 102 years old, of Cincinnati, Ohio, died July 18, 2025. Bertha was born September 8, 1922, in St. Anne, Illinois, to Henry and Cora Eggen. Eldest of eight children, she was predeceased by her siblings: Henry (Hank), Ed (Sonny), Delbert, Edward, Norma, Juanita (Wads), and Loretta (Lori). Bertha was also preceded in deathContinue Reading

See Condolences
Plant a tree in memory of Bertha
 An environmentally friendly option.
Mrs. Bruce Remington (Judy) left a message on July 24, 2025:
My husband's, Bruce Remington, mother was Faye Phebus Remington, from Vicksburg, MI. She would be Dale Phebus's sister. I became acquainted with both via their time in Kalamazoo area and through family stories. Personally, I remember Bert as a tour guide with the Upjohn Company (now Pfizer) and it was obvious she loved her job and was really good at it. Judy Remington
Heather Chapman left a message on July 22, 2025:
What a life lived well unto Jesus! I’m so sorry for your loss but rejoice for her , as I’m confident she’s dancing on streets of gold. She was always so kind to me when I interacted with her. A true christian and a strong woman.
Bruce Kidwell left a message on July 22, 2025:
I thank Jesus for having been introduced and associated with Sister Bertha for the time I was at the Calvary church. To celebrate 2 of her birthdays was a joy. She was indeed one of the Lord's disciples on this earth. I pray He holds her in His arms and comforts her in the new life she leads in His Kingdom and in peace forever more............Amen. May all the family be comforted.
Hughes family left a message on July 22, 2025:
Bertha was a truly amazing person. She had a remarkable gift for seeing the good in people—even when it was hard for them to see it in themselves. Though she wasn’t related to us by blood, Bert was every bit a part of our family. She watched our children grow up, and she wasn’t shy about giving us a firm “Oh, girl!” now and then—especially when we refused to take payment for helping in her yard. She gave so much of herself in return, baking cookies, chicken noodle soup, and cinnamon rolls for our kids, always showing her love in the most thoughtful ways. Sometimes, she just needed someone to listen—and I’m grateful I could be that ear. Her spirit and personality were unforgettable. She often told us she was ready to leave this world, to be reunited with her beloved husband at the gates of Heaven. We are forever thankful to have had Bert in our lives, and for the love and warmth she shared with our children. To us, she will always be Grandma Bert. Rest easy, Bert. God has finally given you your wings
condolence-image Thompson, Hall and Jordan Funeral Home left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
Show More