Phyllis Anne Dorward Witwer Bergman, 93, of Troutville, passed away on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at Carillion Roanoke Memorial Hospital following a sudden stroke.
She was born November 8, 1927 in Peoria, Ill., to Glenn and Margaret Dorward. She graduated from Queens College in Charlotte, N.C., with a degree in Accounting, and joined the United States Air Force, serving in the Medical Service Corps as a hospital administrator, one of only 17 female officers in the USAF at the time. Phyllis left the service as a First Lieutenant upon marrying Col. Bruce Witwer in 1954.
In addition to raising a family, Phyllis continued to exercise her organizational skills as the financial controller at the Grace Brethren Church of Greater Washington and was a dedicated member of the Volksmarching Club.
Following Bruce’s death in 1988, Phyllis married retired Navy diver LCDR Walter Bergman in 1996 and soon after moved to Troutville. They enjoyed a relaxed lifestyle among the Blue Ridge Mountains, with Phyllis indulging in reading, knitting, and gardening while admiring the surrounding nature, especially birds. She brought abundant joy into the lives of all her family and friends.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Glenn and Margaret Dorward; her first husband, Bruce Witwer; and her brother, Robert Dorward.
She is survived by her husband of 24 years, Walter Bergman; her son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Andrea Witwer of Mount Dora, Fla.; her daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Gilbert Armour of Bonsack; step-children Robert, Peter, and Jon Bergman and Beth Crizer; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. To send condolences online please visit tharpfuneralhome.com. Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Roanoke is assisting the family.
