Obituary

Altha virginia kerns, 88, died at her home in charleston at 10:10 a.M., sunday,
september 25, 2016, surrounded by her children.
She was born may 25, 1928, in jeannette, pennsylvania, the daughter of the late harold
burkel and agatha schmidt burkel.
She took yearly car trips around the country with her parents, even during the great depression, which led to her love of traveling. After graduation from jeannette high school, she went on to study nursing with the sisters of mercy at mercy hospital in pittsburgh, where she
received her degree as a registered nurse. It was while in nursing school that she
met the love of her life, bob kerns.
Altha loved family trips, whether to camp hill, pa to visit her dear friend jean
patton and her husband ernie, to the jersey shore, north myrtle beach, sc, new
smyrna beach, fl, or to the many foreign countries they traveled to together.
Over the years she participated in many activities such as ceramics, garden club
and bridge. She loved to play hymns and other music on her piano. She valued
the relationships she had with her friends and coworkers from 3 north, camc
memorial hospital. She also was active at christ church united methodist.
Altha was preceded in death by her husband of over 62 years, dr. Robert d. Kerns.
Their relationship was a wonderful example of loving kindness.
She is survived by son robert kerns, jr (william broumas, victoria cavelieri) of
hamden, ct, and his children brandy kerns schwartz (benjamin schwartz) of nyc
and joseph kerns of south windsor, ct; son daniel kerns (mary porter kerns) of
charleston and their children christopher kerns of charleston and david kerns of
columbus, oh; and daughter susan kerns of charleston and her children amanda
austin sproles (david sproles) and jessie austin of charleston. She is survived by
a much loved great-grandchild, ava may pauley; nephew, robert a. Kerns, of monessen, pa.; and special family members, david and ed patton and their families. She is also survived by her
helper, special care-giver, and long-time “family member” debbie webb.
Memorial service will be held 11:00 a.M. Saturday, october 1, 2016, in the chapel at christ church united methodist, 1221 quarrier st, charleston. A reception and celebration of althas’ life will follow at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to kanawha hospice care, 1606
kanawha blvd w, charleston, wv 25302.
You may send condolences to the family at: www.Barlowbonsall.Com
arrangements are being handled by barlow-bonsall funeral home.