Alberta Jean “Bert” Kleisath, 80, a longtime resident of Gifford Hollow, Smethport, PA passed away Sunday (January 1, 2023) at Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.

She was born January 29, 1942 in Port Allegany, the daughter of Leroy and Esther Lilly Huey. On October 23, 1965, in Eldred, PA, she married Raymond E. Kleisath, who survives.

Bert, as she was known by everyone, was a proud graduate of Smethport High School.  She worked for the former Jaguar Manufacturing in Smethport and owned and operated “The Flower Basket” floral shop in Smethport until her retirement in 1995.

Anyone who knew Bert knew she loved her family whole-heartedly. She was an active participant in each and every one of their lives, all the way down to her great grandchildren.  Her favorite phrase known by family and friends was, “This Too Shall Pass”.

She was a Charter Member of the Smethport Fire Department and a member of the VFW Post #2497 Women’s Auxiliary.  She enjoyed gardening and was a phenomenal and dedicated Bingo player.  Snow, sleet or rain would never have kept her away from playing.  She enjoyed seeing and “catching up” with her friends and winning against them while playing.

In addition to her husband, Raymond, she is survived by:

Three daughters:  Brenda (Dave) Keesler and Teri (Dana) Spittler, both of Smethport and Rae (Paul) Alepa of Waxhaw, NC

Grandchildren:  Shannon Lynn Keesler, Stephanie Noel Scrivo, Lynn Ann Spittler, Marcus Ray-Lee Spittler, Skylar Raye Alepa, Peyton Ann Alepa and Landon Jonathan Alepa

Great Grandchildren:  Kailei J. Mason, Patrick Kelley, Adrianna Keesler and Raelynn Scrivo

Along with several nieces and nephews she dearly loved.

In addition to her parents, Bert was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Christal Lynn Keesler; three sisters, Evelyn Cunningham, Joyce Rose and Joan Hosmer.

In keeping with Bert’s wishes, there will be no visitation or services.  A Celebration of Life will be held for immediate friends and family on Saturday, January 7, from 2-4 PM at the VFW Post #2497 of Smethport.  Burial will be in St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Smethport.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hamlin Memorial Library, Smethport, PA.  Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.