Search by Name

Search by Name

Bertha Lightell Obituary

LIGHTELL Bertha Mae Lightell, born July 13, 1928 to Bertha and Charles Erath in New Orleans, LA, died September 25, 2009 in Kingwood, Texas. Bertha was a 52 year resident of Chalmette, LA before moving to Kingwood in August, 2005. She is preceded in death by brothers, Charles G. Erath, Jr. and Robert C. Erath; sisters, Dolores E. Anderson and Lillian E. Pavlovich; and grandson, Michael P. Murphy. Mrs. Lightell is survived by her husband of 59 years, A. Ray Lightell; daughter, Patricia L. Murphy and her husband, Robert; son, A. Ray Lightell, Jr. and his wife, Phillis; sister, Patricia E. Sagnibene; brother, Harold G. Erath, Sr.; grandchildren, Robert E. Murphy III, Timothy P. Lightell, Amy G. Lightell, and James A. Lightell. Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at St. Martha Catholic Church, 3702 Woodland Hills Dr., Kingwood, TX 77339. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Sarah Care Adult Day Care, 23972 Highway 59N., Kingwood, TX 77339 or to the Alzheimer's Association, 2242 W. Holcombe, Houston, TX 77030 or to Compassionate Homecare, 911 Southern Hills Dr., Kingwood, TX 77339. A Mass of Resurrection and interment will take place at a later date in New Orleans, Louisiana. For guest book services, tribute capabilities and more information visit www.mem.com. Kingwood Funeral Home 22800 Highway 59 North Kingwood, TX 77339 281-358-9005

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times-Picayune on Sep. 29, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Bertha Lightell

Not sure what to say?





Charlie Deubler, Jr.

October 16, 2009

Mr. Ray, Patricia, Ray, Jr.,

Not until Amy messaged me via email was I aware of Mrs. Bertha'a passing. I am so sorry for your loss. Nothing can replace a wife and mother. Please know that my mother kept me informed until her passing of the family and after that Amy kept in touch with me.

My prayers are with the family during this tough time and I know for several reasons, prayer and connection to our Lord as well as the closeness of the family, will you make it to the next level.

Please know that I will spend special moments this evening in prayer for Mrs. Bertha.

Mary Ann Smith

September 30, 2009

Dear Ray,
Many years ago as we began Prince of Peace Parish through Our Lady of Prompt Succor's Rectory. It was my pleasure to count the collection each Monday morning with Bertha, Marilyn and Natalie. What great fun we had as we talked and laughed! I have always remembered how nice a lady Bertha was and always looked forward to meeting her at one place or another in Chalmette. C.J. and I send our prayers to you and your family. We know you will miss her dearly.
Mary Ann Smith

Patty Ward

September 29, 2009

On behalf of the Stage Family I want to express our deepest sorrow for Mrs. Bertha she was always a great neighbor and a great friend always had a kind word to say. I spoke with my sister today (Linda Ricks)as we talked about Ms. Bertha there was only good memories of her. The memory we both shared of her was how her sidewalk was the best to rollar skate on and she never chased us off. I remember Ms. Bertha never drove by if I was outside she always stopped and talked. Your family has lost a treasure but we know she is in a better place. We will always keep her memory in our heart. The Stage Family

September 29, 2009

Ray, sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers in this time of need. Christ Peace and Love
Reldon and Karen Barre'
Washington, WV
[email protected]

September 29, 2009

Ray, Frank and I are so sorry to hear of your loss of Bertha. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Frank and Ellen Kraus

Frank Kraus

September 29, 2009

Ray....Ellen and I was sorry to hear of Bertha's death....please accept our deepest condolences...our prayers are with you and your family

September 29, 2009

Dear Ray.

I am saddened by the death of your wife, Bertha. My wife, Terry, died on August 11 so I have recently suffered a similar loss. I remember my days of my two assignments at Chalmette and my many friends there.

Best wishes to you and your family.

L.J. "Mac" McAdams

Martin & Gayle Cross

September 29, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

September 29, 2009

Our most sincere condolences.
Chuck and Jackie Schimmel

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results

Make a Donation
in Bertha Lightell's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Bertha Lightell

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Bertha's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Bertha Lightell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more