Bertha McElwee Rundles passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, surrounded by her family.

She was born February 6, 1931, in Tulsa, Okla., to Arizona and Famous McElwee Sr. She was preceded in death by her parents, four siblings—Mittie Jefferson, Lydia Straham, Benella Davis and Famous McElwee Jr, her husband, Charles Rundles, and son, Keith Rundles.

Bertha was raised in Muskogee, Okla., and was a member of Bethel AME Church. She sang with the youth choir. She attended Langston Elementary School and graduated from Manual Training High School where she became a lead soloist.

In 1951, she married her high school love, Charles Rundles. They lived briefly in Detroit, Mich., and Utica, N.Y. After their son Keith was born, they settled in Columbia, Maryland, and enjoyed their lives there until Charles' death in 2001.

She worked for a time for Maryland National Bank and retired in 1996 after a long career with the Howard County Public Schools.

Bertha joined Locust United Methodist Church in Columbia in 1973 and was an active and faithful member. She shared her lifelong love of music by starting the Male Chorus and singing in three choirs. She worked with the pastor and musicians to select music for all services. She served in many capacities: Matured Christian Club, SHARE volunteer, Senior Dinner Fellowship Club, United Women in Faith, Mother and Father of the Year Coordinator, General Conference Volunteer. As a member of the Funeral Repast Committee, she was in charge of making the green beans and they were a big hit. She was a member of the 5th Sunday Visiting Fellowship Service at Lorien Nursing and Rehab Center. And she served as Locust's official Christian comedian, providing jokes for various church events.

In the summer of 2018, Bertha lost her beloved son Keith after an illness. And in 2021, at the age of 90, she bravely moved to Kansas City, Mo., to be closer to her sister and remaining family. She joined Metropolitan AME Zion Church.

Her family and friends will miss her smile, her spirit, and her big heart.

Bertha leaves to cherish her memory her sister Marie Rainey of Kansas City, Mo., a host of nieces and nephews, and her dear friends in Maryland and Oklahoma.

Services for Mrs. Rundles will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 25, 2022 at Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Burial Blue Ridge Lawn Cemetery.  Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. until service time Friday at the church.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc.