Patricia Elaine Bertling, 74, of Memphis, TN died August 11, 2026 after a courageous four month stay in hospice care. Elaine was born in Knoxville, TN on November 15, 1951 to Wallace and Ruth Clutts and was raised in Memphis, TN.

 Elaine graduated from Messick High School in 1969 and married the love of her life, Joe “Pete” Bertling in January of 1970. Together they would raise two children, Robert E. Bertling (Meredith) of Bartlett, TN and Anna K. Kranz (Doug) of Rossville TN.

Elaine was proudly employed by the Internal Revenue Service where she retired after more than three decades of service, but her happiest times were with her family. Elaine loved watching Rob and Anna play sports, participate in school activities and was always their biggest supporter. Whether it was at Anna’s volleyball games at CBU or at Rob’s football games at the Liberty Bowl, Elaine was always front and center cheering on the Bucs and the Tigers.

Elaine and Pete were also “adoptive parents” to many of Rob and Anna’s college teammates. Sundays in the fall were spent feeding hungry football and volleyball players or hanging out by the pool at the house on Prescott Circle. No one would ever be turned away from Elaine’s Sunday meals.

 Elaine’s proudest moments of her life though were as “Nana”. She was a doting Nana to Bergin Kranz, Michael Kranz, Carly Bertling, John Kranz and Nora Kranz. She loved each and every one of her grandchildren and always looked forward to having them all together. Her support of her family in their endeavors didn’t stop at Rob and Anna. She made sure to do what she could to make all of the grandkids events, whether a soccer game, volleyball match, school performance or just a school party.

Elaine was a dedicated wife, mother and Nana who leaves a void that will never be filled. Elaine is preceded in death by her husband, Pete, her parents Wally and Ruth Clutts, and her in laws Albert and Shorty Bertling.

A memorial service will be held at Forest Hill East on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 10am at 2440 Kirby Whitten Rd. in Memphis, TN. with visitation from 9am-10am. Memorials may be made to the ALS Association.

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