Bertha (Miller) Earlley

Bertha (Miller) Earlley, 80, of Pittston, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 21, at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre. Born in Delaware Water Gap on March 31, 1946, she was the daughter of the late John and Bertha (Jumper) Miller.

Bertha attended elementary school in New York State and was a graduate of Pittston High School. She was employed for many years at the Topps Chewing Gum factory in Duryea until its closing, and later worked at Walmart, from which she retired.

She enjoyed arts and crafts, was an avid reader, and loved to travel and camp. Above all, she cherished time with her family—especially her grandchildren—and her beloved dog, Buddy.

In addition to her parents, Bertha was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Michael Vincent Earlley, who died January 1, 2025; her siblings, Florence Kresge, John Miller, William Miller, Margaret McGrath, Walter Miller, and Lisa Kneller; and her infant sisters, Bonny and Penny.

She is survived by her children, Michele Simko of Pittston; Colleen Drager and her spouse, Stacey, of Pittston Twp.; and Michael Earlley and his spouse, Kimberly, of Pittston. She is also survived by eight grandchildren: James Dean Simko, Bastian Simko, Seladani Simko, Tyler Drager, Kayli Drager Vietz, Jordyn Drager, Sarah Earlley, and Lauren Earlley; and three great-grandchildren: Layla Drager, Logan Drager, and Lincoln Vietz. She is further survived by her sisters, Mary Brown of Dupont and Susan Shannon of Wilkes-Barre, along with several nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. at Kiesinger Funeral Services, 255 McAlpine St., Duryea, with Rev. Dennis Gray officiating. Friends may call on Saturday afternoon from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service.

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