Bernice Arlene Herman

Bernice Arlene Herman (nee Tompkins), 92, of Eaton Township, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, March 7, 2022. Bernice was born to Malcolm and Zella (nee MacDonald) Tompkins on August 9, 1929 in Beldon, Ohio. She was a Supervisor at Elyria City Schools for many years. She was very involved in community life. She spent many years at the Lorain County Fair, assisting her husband as director, and helping to manage the Grange Cafeteria. She was an active Lay Speaker in the United Methodist Church and was the Director of the program for many years. Her church was very important to her and she was a lifelong member of LaPorte UMC. She served as choir director for 30+ years. She loved music and played both piano and organ. She also was the organist at Zion United Methodist Church for 25+ years and attended both churches faithfully as long as she was able. She served on many committees at both the local level as well as the district level. She served as delegate to Annual conference at Lakeside, as well as being an elected 'Delegate-at-Large' for the Northeast district. Bernice was involved with the Gedeon Auxiliary as her husband was a member and fully embraced helping provide Bibles to everyone! She also was an active member of local Grange #1964, and Lorain County Pomona Grange. She was also a member of State and National Grange. Her Lord and her family were always the most important in her life. Her children and grandchildren say 'she is the best mom and grandma ever'. Bernice was very kind, generous and caring and will be sadly missed but so lovingly remembered. Bernice is survived by her daughter, Debra (Bobby) Wilson; sister, Phyllis Glunt; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ralph; son, Eddie (Karen) and sisters, Dorothy (Bob) Jaeger, Stella (Warren) Reisinger, Nila (John) Wharton, Alice (Merle) Smith, and Maxine (Bill) Peachey. The family would like to thank Ann Marie and the entire Nivalis Hospice team for their compassion, care and unwavering support. The family will receive friends Saturday, March 12, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 12 Noon at LaPorte United Method Church in Elyria. Service will follow at 12 Noon with Pastors William Baker and Wendy Brown officiating. Burial will be at Butternut Ridge Cemetery in Eaton Township and a luncheon will be provided back at LaPorte. Bernice was often called the 'Hat Lady' and wore hats for all occasions! Everyone is welcome to wear a hat in her memory. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made directly to the family in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com