Denise F. Bernard

Denise F. Bernard, 52, New Philadelphia, went to be with her Jesus, whom she had accepted as her Lord and Savior, on Thursday, October 21, 2004.Born September 13, 1951, in Dover, O., she was the daughter of Twila Bernard and the late Jerome (Jerry) Bernard. She graduated in l970 from New Philadelphia High School where she was active in marching band and orchestra. She earned an associate degree from Hocking Technical School in l972, then attended Ohio State University.Denise enlisted in the U.S. Army in l976, served in Okinawa, and received an honorable discharge in l978.Her love for all of God’s creation, especially the beauty of nature and the value of His animals, was evident in the volunteer hours she devoted to the Tuscarawas Valley Kennel Club; Wolf Timbers; Cats N Us; and the Stark County Wilderness Center, from whom she received the distinguished service award. After an oil spill in Bolivar, O., Denise was instrumental in saving the lives of many ducks and other wildlife. She also lavished her love and care on her collie, Ginger, and her sheep, Philo. An active member of the Schoenbrunn Moravian Church in New Philadelphia, Denise enjoyed backpacking, hiking, and bird watching and was a member of the National Audubon Society. She was also a recipient of the outstanding achievement award for her assistance at Cornerstone Support Services. Denise was also a member of the National Wildlife Association and The Protection of Forests and Parks Association..She is survived by her mother, Twila Bernard of New Philadelphia; three brothers, Brent Knisley Bernard of Columbus, O., Bruce (Lisa) DeVol Bernard of Worthington, O., and Brian Lee Bernard of Georgia; and three nieces, Alyssa, Lauren, and Shae Bernard of Worthington, O.She was preceded in death by her father and one brother, Bradley Jerome Bernard.Visitation will be Sunday, October 24, 2004, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory. Funeral services will be Monday, October 25, 2004, at 2 p.m. at the Schoenbrunn Moravian Church in New Philadelphia. Burial will be at East Avenue Cemetery in New Philadelphia.