Bernice Lenich

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Martha Bernice Crosby Lenich on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. in the St. Mary Catholic Church with Reverend Kevin Ratterman officiating.  Burial will follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery.

A Rosary prayer service will be held on Friday evening at 6:30 at the Harvey-Douglas Funeral Home with a time of visitation and support for the family following.

Bernice was called home by her Savior on August 9, 2025, at the age of 97. She passed peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories, steadfast faith, and the many lives she touched with her kindness.

 She was born Martha Bernice Cosby on December 26, 1927, in Rienzi, Mississippi, to Calvin and Mary Florence Cosby. The youngest of six children, Bernice grew up surrounded by the love of her close-knit family.

 After graduating from high school, Bernice began her career with Southwestern Bell, working in Denver, Colorado, and Oregon before returning home to Mississippi. It was in Corinth, Mississippi, that she met the love of her life, Francis Augustus “Bud” Lenich. They were married on December 11, 1949, and went on to share more than fifty years together.

 Bernice and Bud welcomed two daughters, Teresa and Sue, while living in Corinth. In July of 1966, the family moved to Ardmore, Oklahoma, where Bernice worked at Comet Feed Mill and later at Marietta Sportswear until her retirement. 

Faith, family, and community were the cornerstones of Bernice’s life. She was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, loved her Sunday School class, was active in the Women’s Club, and volunteered countless hours at the local hospital and food bank. She was known for her beautiful sewing and quilting—often winning blue ribbons at the county fair—and for her delicious apple pies and banana breads, which were shared generously with family and friends. She also enjoyed the fellowship of the Red Hat Ladies Club, where she found joy in friendship and laughter.

 In 2023, Bernice moved to San Antonio, Texas, to be closer to her family. She quickly made new friends in assisted living, embracing activities like book club, Bible study, arts and crafts, Bingo, and her newfound love for jigsaw puzzles. 

Bernice was loved by all who knew her and will be remembered for her devotion to family, her unwavering faith, and her generous, welcoming spirit. Her life was a testament to love, faith, and kindness, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

 She was preceded in death by her parents, her five siblings, and her beloved husband, Bud. She is survived by her daughters Teresa Carpenter and husband Barry, and Sue Hibbs and husband Max; her grandchildren Lori Carpenter, Kevin Carpenter, Kristen Hibbs Erickstad and husband Landon Erickstad, and Casey Hibbs and wife Jenna Hibbs; and her eight great-grandchildren: Liam Carpenter, Aiden Carpenter, Ben Erickstad, Oliver Erickstad, Finn Erickstad, Colt Hibbs, Ryann Hibbs, and Reese Hibbs.

Services are entrusted to Harvey-Douglas Funeral Home where condolences may be left for the family at www.hdouglasfuneralhome.com.