Dortha Helen Bortel
March 3, 1910 - Feb. 6, 1998

Dortha Bortel, 87, of Liberty Center died early this morning at the Lutheran Home at Napoleon.

Born March 3, 1910, in Leipsic, she was the daughter of Ludwig and Rena (Sager) Bach. On Sept. 9, 1939, she married Robert Bortel, who preceded her in death on Aug. 9, 1982.

She was an elementary school teacher, teaching in one-room schoolhouses for 10 years before World War II. She taught at the Liberty Center Elementary School from 1947-1954 and from 1961-1977. She received her teaching certificate from Bowling Green Normal School. She was a member of Liberty Center United Methodist Church of Liberty Center and the Ohio Retired Teachers Association. She had been a guide at the one-room schoolhouse at the Sauder Village for a time after retirement.

She is survived by a son, Robert of Liberty Center; a daughter, Kay Smith of Columbus; a brother, Robert Bach of Findlay; a sister, Delia of Fostoria; and six grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by a son, Gary Bortel; two brothers, Dave and Floyd Bach; and two sisters, Pauline Baker and Unis Bach.

Services will be 11 a.m. Monday at the Wright Funeral Home of Liberty Center, Rev. Martin Denes officiating. Interment will be at the Youngs Cemetery of Liberty Center.

Visitation will be Sunday from 2-4 p.m. at the funeral home.

The family suggests memorials be made to the Lutheran Home at Napoleon, the United Methodist Church of Liberty Center or to a charity of the donor's choice.