Martha Jo Berschet

Martha Jo (Roberts) Berschet, age 98 of South Charleston, Ohio passed away peacefully on October 17, 2026. She was born January 11, 1928 in South Charleston, Ohio, the daughter of the late Merrit Edward and Esther (Mattinson) Roberts. Jo is survived by her children: Jennifer Berschet Klee (Ed), Beth Berschet Dunlap (Tom), Doug Berschet (Mistie), Eric Berschet (Jen), and Kurt Berschet (Vickie), grandchildren: Aaron (Christie), Meagan (Chris), Ashley (Joe), Taylor, Reid, Malory (JJ), Paige, Kendra (Shade), and Luke, and great-grandchildren: Daniel, Sylas and Greyson, Banks and Ari James, and Elzie Jo. Along with her parents, Jo was preceded in death by her loving husband, Marvin W. Berschet, and siblings: Mary, Edward, and Jean.

Born and raised on her family's farm in South Charleston, Ohio, Jo carried a lifelong passion for agriculture and rural life. While spending time in Santa Monica, California, she met the love of her life, Marv when he was there playing football for the University of Illinois in the Rose Bowl. Their romance moved quickly, beginning in January and leading to their marriage on August 23, 1952 in the South Charleston First Presbyterian Church. Together they devoted their lives to their century family farm, which has remained in the family for more than 140 years. A dedicated advocate for agriculture, she was an active member and past president of the CowBelles, now known as the National CattleWomen Association. Through the People-to-People agricultural exchange program, she and Marv traveled around the world representing the United States and sharing the values of American farming with agricultural families abroad. She also enjoyed volunteering at the annual Farm Science Review and found great pleasure in playing tennis, bowling, and knitting. Her love of family, farming, and community left a lasting mark on all who knew her.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, October 22, 2026 from 11:30-1:30 PM at the South Charleston First Presbyterian Church. The funeral service will begin at 1:30 PM, also at the church, officiated by Pastor Aaron White. Burial to follow at the Green Plains Friend Meeting Quaker Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Tecumseh Land Trust, South Charleston First Presbyterian Church, Alzheimer’s Association, South Charleston Heritage Commission, or Southeastern Alumni Association in Jo’s honor. Arrangements entrusted to the Ingling Williams & Lewis Funeral Home, South Charleston. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.jacksonlytle.com.