COLUMBUS
An angel was called home. Alta Bernice Cseszko passed away peacefully in hospice care on July 3rd, 2024 at the age of 84. Bernice was born in Brown County, Indiana on May 27th, 1940 to Clarence and Irene Hatchett. As was often the case in that era, an aunt ran several miles to the Story Inn (then a gas station and country store) where the nearest phone was available to call the local midwife. A few days later the midwife stopped by to ensure all was well.
Bernice was the eldest of 5 children and helped raise her siblings. She attended a one-room schoolhouse in Elkinsville and often held up a T-shirt with an image of several children standing in front of the school. “I think this one is me” she would often say. She fondly remembered the tire swing in the front yard, washing clothes in a pail next to the creek, playing with cousins, and picking Polk along the roadside for dinners. The family moved to Columbus where her father could find better paying jobs to support the family.
Bernice married Gerald Gerken in August 1957 and raised 3 children: Brian, David, and Beth. Once the kids were in school, she obtained her GED, learned how to drive, and began studying to become a Beautician. Many years later she retired from The Legends beauty shop. When asked why they call it The Legends, she replied, “Because we were all in this business for so long, we had become Legends in Columbus”.
She married Robert Cseszko in June 2000 at St. Bartholomew Church. Bernice and Bob were happily married for 24 years.
Throughout her life, Bernice enjoyed painting, writing poetry, being a member of The Mudlarks Garden Club, and trying new recipes learned through the garden club. Her Hosta and flower gardens were the envy of many. And she often won ribbons at the county fair for her artistic flower arrangements. Bernice was known as a very loving and giving person. For many years she supported children in Haiti through the church. She always put family, friends, and those in need ahead of her own.
Bernice was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Bobby Hatchett and Doug Hatchett. She is survived by her brothers Maynard (Rita) and Dwight (Rosie) Hatchett, sister Susan (Joe) Meadows, sons Brian (Deanna) Gerken and David (Susan) Gerken, daughter Beth (Mark) Rediker, stepdaughters Kirsten (Mike) Loftis, Emily (Jeremy) Corn, and Rachael Cseszko, stepson Christian (Carey) Cseszko, 16 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.
The funeral will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 8th at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church with Father Chris Wadelton officiating. Calling hours are from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. The burial will be at Garland Brook Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Bartholomew Church, Saint Bartholomew Friends of Haiti (saintbartholomew.org), or Alzheimer’s Association (act.alz.org). Arrangements were entrusted to Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home. Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family at www.jewellrittman.com.
Our thanks to Willow Crossing, Keystone Hospice, and their staff for the love and care they provided Bernice, and her family the past few years.
