Youngstown – Private services were held on Friday, May 22, 2015 at the Clemente Funeral Home in Struthers for Bertha I. "Birdie" Flesher, 88, of Youngstown who passed away quietly in her sleep at home on Wednesday morning Bertha was born on September 1, 1926 in Wampum, Pa., a daughter of Carlo and Mary Bateman Assalone. She came to this area as a young lady. Bertha married George F. Flesher September 25, 1946 and he passed away on February 18, 1995. They were married for 49 years. Bertha was a homemaker, and the love of her life was raising her 12 children, and spending time with her family and grandchildren. She loved to read and cook. She leaves five sons, Gary L. (Darlene) Flesher of Lowellville, Richard (Louise) Flesher of Poland, Dennis C. (Susan) Flesher of Struthers, Carl E. (Dalaine) Flesher of  Struthers, Darryle K. (Kim)  Flesher  of New Middletown; seven daughters, Carol Y. Noble of Struthers, Sandy L.  Shipley of Youngstown, Debbie I. (Danny) Brothers of New Middletown, Terry L. (Mike) Felton of Youngstown,  Christine E. (Bob) Simione of Lowellville,  Kimberly S. McConnell of Youngstown and  Robin M. (Ennio) Iacovone of Campbell; brother, Vincent (Ruth) Assalone of PA; four sisters, Kate Nye of Arizona, Delores (Don) Ford of Struthers, Yvonne "Chickie" (Chuck) Hill of Pa., Sherri (Dick) Beachem of Ellwood City, PA., and 22 grandchildren, one of which, Timmy (Rhonda) Shipley, whom she raised, Ryan, Lori, Danny, Mark, Matthew, Kevin, Sara, Michele, Tracy, C.J., Bobby, Regina, Lisa, Stephanie, Josh, Ashley, Johnny, Renee, Connie, Paul, and Lori.   She also leaves many great grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren. Bertha was preceded in death by her parents, husband and one brother Ronnie Assalone, and a son-in-law Charlie McConnell. A special thanks to any individual who would have liked to partake in the service, but the family respectfully followed Bertha's wishes of a private funeral.