Bertha L. Coffin

Bertha Louise Coffin, after more than 96 wonderful and fulfilling years, went to be with our Loving Lord at 6am December 28, 2015. She first enjoyed growing up in Georgia, then loved dear friends and a happy marriage to Donald Coffin in Council Grove, Kansas, and then joyfully embraced an additional 20 years of fun family life in Shawnee KS.  She delighted in her son Rob, daughter-in-law Danielle, her 7 grandchildren (Robbie, Jeremy and wife Christine, Davey and wife Megan, Mindy, and Andrew); and her 5 great-grandchildren (Angel, Tony, Harmony, Charity, and Chase).

Bertha’s lifestyle in Georgia had more in common with Little House On The Prairie than with folks today.  No indoor plumbing, no electricity, no automobile, etc.  But she had a loving home with her mother, father, and older brother who doted on her immensely.

Her parents moved to Kansas while Bertha was still in school, and when they eventually moved back to Georgia, she stayed here.  She was proud to graduate from KU as a medical technologist, and remained forevermore a stalwart and proud fan of the Jayhawks.  She met her true love one day in Donald Coffin.  They married and settled in his hometown of Council Grove, where, together with his esteemed parents, they ran the Council Grove Telephone Company and the Coffin Insurance Agency.  After Don’s unfortunate death, Bertha continued to operate the companies and remained a generous friend to Manhattan Christian College and her cherished Salvation Army.

In 1996, Bertha moved to Shawnee Kansas to embrace a joyous life with her adopted son Rob and his family.  She was significantly involved in his ministry of dramatizing the messages of the Apostle Paul, and loved being with her daughter-in-law Danielle and all her grandkids.  When her grandson Andrew was born fifteen years ago, “Grandma” developed a very unique and special bond with him that continued from his birth throughout the rest of her life.  Her children, grandchildren and abundant family and church activities were a source of tremendous joy to her. The addition of five more great-grandchildren only added to the happiness of being surrounded by family and devoted friends from church in Kansas City.

Even so, every Monday Bertha loved to return to Council Grove to lead a longtime Bible Study in her home.  She delighted in being with beloved friends such as Norma and Wally, Heather, Linda, Merry and others.  Monday evenings were always a very wonderful time for her.

Services celebrating her life will be both in Kansas City and in Council Grove.  The first will be at Cross Points Church, 6824 Lackman Road in Shawnee, KS from 2-4pm on Sunday, January 3rd.  The second will be held at Community Christian Church in Council Grove on Monday, January 4th followed by burial at Greenwood Cemetery.  Please call the church for more information.