Bertha Ann Flynn was born July 17, 1916, in Chicago, and passed away on March 5, 2012, in East Lansing, Michigan, at the age of 95.

She was preceded by her parents, Robert and Ann Kuehnle; husband Harry Flynn; sister Betty Jane; and brothers Robert (Rod) and Roy Kuehnle. She also was predeceased by her daughter-in-law, Vera Flynn, of Houston, Texas.

She is survived by her three children: Patricia McCrery (Charles) of Los Gatos, California; William (Sheila) Flynn of East Lansing, Michigan; and Barry Flynn (Vera, deceased) of Houston, Texas.

She had ten grandchildren: Kim Boortz (Ben Chickering) of Merced, Calif.; Erin (George) Metcalf of Issaquah, Washington.; Megan (Carmine) Mangione of Beaverton, Oregon; Nathanael (Marianne) Flynn of East Lansing, Mich.; Jeremy (Jodie) Flynn of Haslett, Mich.; Megan (Mark) Peterson of Naperville, Ill.; Allison Flynn of Wheaton, Ill.; Derek (Natane) Flynn of Austin, Texas; Barrett (Charlotte) Flynn and Jared (Stephanie) Flynn, both of Houston, Texas; as well as 17 great-grandchildren, with two due in July.

Bertha Ann grew up in the Chicago and graduated from Lindbloom High School, where she loved sports especially golf, swimming and diving, and field hockey; she earned her sports letter “L” for all her athletics.

After graduating in 1934, she worked doing general office work and accounting. In 1942 she married Harry Flynn. He enlisted in the Air Force, and they moved to Texas where he completed officer training as a pilot and then trained new Air Force pilots. In the late 1940’s they moved to Chesterton where they raised their family. Their three children all graduated from Chesterton High School. After Harry’s death in 1988 she moved to Valparaiso.

Bertha Ann spent almost all the summers of her life at the family summer cottage on Van Auken Lake in southwestern Michigan. She taught many little nieces, nephews, cousins and friends to swim in Van Auken Lake.

She was a Worthy Matron of the Chesterton Eastern Star and active in Liberty Bible Church. She enjoyed the women’s Bible studies and volunteered with the children’s ministry into her 80’s.

Since losing her vision at age 89 she has lived with her children in East Lansing, Michigan, Los Gatos, California, and Houston, Texas. She remained an active sports fan, especially of the Michigan State Spartans.

She was proud that all her grandchildren have graduated from college. Her great spirit toward life will be greatly missed by all.

Visitation will be Sunday, March 11, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. (Central Daylight Savings time) at the White-Love Funeral Home, 525 S. 2nd St., Chesterton.

The funeral will be at Liberty Bible Church, 824 N. Calumet Ave., on Monday, March 12 at 11:00 a.m. with Dr. Emerson Eggerichs, family friend, officiating.

The family suggests contributions in her name to the Liberty Bible Church.