Bertha May Andrews' Obituary
Big Rapids Bertha May Andrews, 83, lifetime Big Rapids resident, passed away Thursday, January 24, at Spectrum Health Butterworth in Grand Rapids. She was born December 8, 1924, in Big Rapids, the daughter of Bert and Eunice (Hanford) Jacobson, and graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1945. On April 7 of that year, Bertha married Dale D. Andrews of Big Rapids, and they lived here since. For over 25 years, Bertha and Dale were day-care providers and foster parents. Bertha was a long-time Girl Scout Leader and PTA member, and also worked on the city election board for over 30 years. She taught ceramics, and shared her artistic talents with many local residents. Bertha was also an active member of the First Baptist Church for over 60 years. She taught Sunday School for many years, and was a member of the Mary Martha Ladies Organization. Her husband Dale preceded Bertha in death on September 23, 2003. Surviving are their children, Durwood (Susan) Andrews of Muir, Dalela (Robert) Tiedeman of Las Vegas, NV, Dexter (Linda) Andrews of Kalamazoo, Deah (Robert) Cole of Grandville, Delphine (Kevin) Defever of Big Rapids, Danora (Michael) Stratz of Big Rapids; grandchildren Darin (Kim) Andrews, Carla (Kenneth) Carter, Jed (Jessa Trombley) Andrews, Darcy (Sandy) Tiedeman, Danielle Tiedeman, Lisa (Jeff) Rhoades, Kristin (Mike Capelli) Andrews, Maurissa and Maleah Mursch, Kalee-Marie and Tyler James Cole, Andrew, Jordan, and Derrick Defever, Jared and Cory Stratz; great-grandchildren Caitlin and Abbi Andrews, Chaih and Cadence Carter, Sierra Lucas, Alexa Andrews, and Lucas Tiedeman; 2 sisters, Elizabeth (Robert) Duffy of Grand Rapids, Roselee Ellis of Ohio; and several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and cousins. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 29, 2008, at the First Baptist Church in Big Rapids, with Rev. Bruce Peterson officiating. Burial will follow in the Highland View Cemetery. Berthas family will greet friends on Monday, January 28, from 11-1 and 4-7 p.m., at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, and at the church after 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday. Memorial contributions in her name may be made for the Susan B. Wheatlake Womens Cancer and Wellness Fund (an endowed fund of the Mecosta County Medical Center Foundation), with envelopes available at the funeral home.
What’s your fondest memory of Bertha?
What’s a lesson you learned from Bertha?
Share a story where Bertha's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Bertha you’ll never forget.
How did Bertha make you smile?