Berta Lou Griffin's Obituary
Big Rapids- Berta Lou Griffin, 77, passed away suddenly on Saturday, January 15, 2011, at home with her loving husband at her side. She is now at peace in the arms of her Heavenly father. Berta Lou was born in Missouri on October 18, 1933. She was the daughter of Niels and Ruby Johansen, who preceded her in death. She married James Bowman in 1962 and together they raised six children, until Jims death in 1967. Berta Lou did her best to raise six young children as a single widow and endured many struggles. Her strength, determination, tenacious spirit, faith and love for her family always sustained her. After her children were raised, Berta Lou met the man who shared the rest of her life with, Sardis Griffin. They married on April 20, 1974, together they shared 37 wonderful years of marriage and friendship. Those that knew Berta Lou, knew that she was a strong willed character and sometimes jus a character. Those that touched her life in her later years that meant so much to her were her neighbors from Jennings Trailer Park that she enjoyed and loved-who watched out for her during her trying and good times, her Tuesday night Tops group that provided a social night out, and last but not least, her Church family, Third Avenue United Methodist Church. Her death will leave a void in the lives of those she knew and loved. Berta Lou would want that void to be filled with wonderful memories of times she enjoyed with each and every one whos life she touched. Berta Lou was a hard worker and a loyal employee. Nowhere is this more evident than in her 25 years of service as a school bus driver for Morley-Stanwood Community Schools. She loved her job and she loved "her kids", as she called the hundreds of students that were lucky enough to have a seat on her bus. Her students will no doubt remember her with a smile as they reflect on her "tough" but "fair" approach to driving the bus! She loved taking extra trips to sporting events and enjoyed cheering on her Mohawks! She touched many lives in ways she never knew. The world is a better place for having known Berta Lou. Berta Lou leaves behind a large and loving family, including her husband, Sardis; her six children, Tim (Janet-deceased) Bowman, Sandy (Darrell) Crandell, Terry (Cathy) Bowman, Vicky (Blaine) Rocky, Barry Bowman and Craig (Vicky) Bowman, five step-children Cheryl Conley (deceased),Evon (Sonney-deceased) Fetteryly, Robin (Phil) Fair, Terry Griffin, Donald(Dianne) Barker.She is also survived by 25 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; brother Niels (Sherry) Johnansen; Berta Lou was preceded in death by her parents and the father of her children, James Bowman. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Reverend Mike Riegler officiating. Berta Lous family will greet friends on Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home and from 1:00 p.m. until service time on Wednesday. Interment will be at Highland View Cemetery in the spring. Memorial contributions may be made in Berta Lous memory to Third Avenue United Methodist Church or Hospice of Michigan.
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