Roberta J. Antram

Roberta (Bert) Jones Antram, passed peacefully from this life to the next on the evening of 4/21/2021. Born 3/4/1931 in Scranton, PA the middle of three sisters, to David S. Jones and Rachel Bell Jones. She is survived by her son Dave and wife Jodell (Rhoads) Antram, grandsons Caleb Jacob and Josiah David, brother in-law Richard Antram, nieces Beth Powell (VA), Linda Berryman (PA) Debby Wilson (CT), nephews Phil Berryman (PA) and Chris Berryman (FL) David Harding (PA) and numerous great nieces and nephews. Bert graduated from Scranton Central High School in the Class of 1949. She attended The University of Pennsylvania her Freshman year, and Keystone Junior College her Sophomore year. She attended Penn State University her Junior and Senior years where she graduated in 1954. While at PSU, Bert met her future husband Bob on a blind date. They were married 61 years until Bob’s passing in 2017 so it was a great match. Newlyweds Bert & Bob moved to Somerset in 1956. They joined St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in 1962 where Bert was a long time member of the choir and Elder. Her love of history and arts resulted in membership and support of the Somerset County Historical Society, and Laurel Arts for decades. She was a Life Member of Welsh National Gymanfa Gann Association and WAGS – the Welsh American Genealogical Society. Bert would say “To be born Welsh they say is to be born privileged, not with a silver spoon in your mouth, but music in your blood and poetry in your soul.” Bert was a 60 year plus member, and past Matron, of Order of Eastern Star – Trinity Chapter #138. A lover of all Animals lead her to membership in the Somerset County Humane Society. She was also a sixty year plus member of Delta Kappa Gamma International Society for Key Women Educators where she was a local president of the Somerset Chapter of Alpha Delta and other chapter committees, member of both National & PA Educators Associations, and a member of the National Social Science Honor Society Pi Gamma Mu.  Bert began her teaching career at Somerset Area School District in January 1959. Through the years she found herself teaching Junior High English, Human Development, Senior High English, American and English Literature, Current Events, Grammar, Writing and Speech. As a teacher through the decades, Bert became known as an educator who was always there for anyone who needed help. Bert tried to make learning fun and to make every student feel important. In addition to classes, Bert thoroughly enjoyed sponsoring many clubs and activities including: English Club, Cheerleaders, National Honor Society, Scholastic Quiz Team, Student Council, Forensics, Senior Class Plays and assisted with graduation ceremonies. She was a co-sponsor of the Class of 1974, and Class of 1986. Bert was a sixty year plus member of the Somerset Hospital Auxiliary with seventeen of those serving as a representative to the Hospital Board of Directors. After retiring from teaching in 1993, Bert began a second, 20 year plus, career as a Court Officer for the Court of Common Pleas – 16th Judicial District where she enjoyed working with, and observing, former students in roles as Judges, Lawyers, Court employees, Jurors, and, some days - even defendants! A sincere believer in living up to one’s civic duty, Bert was a lifelong true Republican Conservative and was inducted into the PA Voter Hall of Fame for her almost seventy years of continuous voting record – from Eisenhower to Trump. When not working, Bert loved to travel the world -getting to all fifty US states, and countless foreign countries including England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France, Germany, Canada, and Mexico. She loved to read great books, & follow current events via watching Fox News. Her love of history and people was never ending and contagious. Musically she could play the piano and even the xylophone. Knitting, playing Bridge, and Slot machines were also activities she enjoyed when given the chance. A sixty year plus Life Penn State Alumni member Bert enthusiastically followed all PSU sporting events and especially Football games. Her grandsons Caleb and Josiah brought her endless joy as she felt so blessed to be able to see them grow into caring, considerate, and responsible young men. Bert found joy in everything and everyone, and would make the most of any occasion or event; her easy smile and distinctive laughter revealed her great sense of humor. She had a heart of gold, a love of life, and we are all better for having known her. Running into any former students was a treat for her no matter how many years ago she had them in the classroom, and she was always eager to hear how, and what, they were now doing in life. Bert viewed each and every one of her students as unique and special – and she enjoyed seeing them go on to achieve great things in so many varied walks of life. The family extends a special heartfelt thanks to Dr. Rita Camacho, Cami Lowery, Chris Penzera, Vikki Shortt, Tiffany Latuch & the Somerset Wound Center team, Janet Barley, Shawn Goshorn and Fae Ross for the utmost care, compassion and friendship. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Somerset Co. 4-H Development Fund and the Somerset Co. Humane Society. Private burial will be at the convenience of the family. Per Bert’s wishes in place of viewing there will be a celebration of life planned for the afternoon of Saturday June 5th, 2021 at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Somerset starting at 1:00PM. At which time Bert has requested that friends, family, former students give brief remarks, share stories, look through old SASD yearbooks & enjoy pictures. Hope you can attend!

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