Bertha Riley

     Bertha L. Elser Riley, 93, formerly of West Bargain Road, was one day shy of her 94th birthday when she died Saturday, April 4, 2015, at her home in Millcreek.  She was born April 5, 1921, in Erie, daughter of the late Paul W. and Bertha Rosenthal Elser.  A lifelong resident of the Erie area, she graduated from Strong Vincent High School in 1940 and worked in the office at General Telephone Co. for twenty years.  Bertha was a longtime member of St. John's Lutheran Church where she co-chaired the Bereavement Committee for many years.
     In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, W. Alan Riley, in 2004, and by Emma Beckman, who raised her from the time she was two weeks old. 
     Survivors include a daughter, JoAnn Schenker and husband Edward, a son, Marc Riley, a granddaughter, Gail Smith and husband Dan, and a great-grandson, Allan Smith, all of Erie. 
     Friends may call Wednesday 3 to 7 p.m. at the Scott Funeral Home, 2104 Myrtle Street, and are invited to services there Thursday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Roy P. Washill officiating.  Burial will be at Laurel Hill Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, 2216 Peach St., Erie, PA 16502.