Bertha M. Cooprider, age 93, passed away on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Tishimingo County, MS on July 30, 1927; she was the daughter of the late Archie and Letha (Johnson) Bray.

On March 17, 1946, she was united in marriage to Andy W. Grimes. Sadly, after sixteen years of marriage, he preceded her in death on May 2, 1962.   Bertha’s second husband, James “Bud” L. Cooprider, also preceded her in death.

Bertha was a member of First Baptist Church of Winthrop Harbor. It was through church that Bertha joined the WMU Ladies group, Project “Linus” where she helped make quilts for children in the hospital, Samaritan’s Purse – putting together Christmas shoeboxes for children. She went on several mission trips, was a Sunday School teacher, Leader of GA’s – a young girls club, she taught at Vacation Bible School and was a volunteer until 2013. Bertha also spent the later years of her life volunteering her time visiting nursing homes.

Bertha was a hard worker, starting at a young age her first job was helping the family by picking cotton. She had several jobs including working in a candy factory and making pizzas at a local restaurant. She was employed with General Binding Corporation in Northbrook, until her retirement in 1987. Bertha enjoyed doing crafts, especially quilting, she loved to read and spend time gardening where she had a wonderful vegetable garden and loved planting flowers.

Bertha had 5 children, Larry Grimes, Mary Sue (Butch) Reindl, David (Claire) Grimes, William “Junior” (Carolyn) Grimes, and Timmy Grimes; 15 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Bertha was preceded in death by her sons, Timothy Grimes, David Grimes and Larry Grimes; sons-in-law, Loren Hanson and Leo (Butch) Reindl; her siblings, Leona Faulkner, Verdell Bray, Syble Weaver and Dorothy Young.

Service Info

Funeral services honoring Bertha’s life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, October 16, 2020.

Private Interment will take place in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Zion, IL.

A visitation for Bertha will be held on Friday, October 16, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at First Baptist Church, 3001 9th Street, Winthrop Harbor, IL.

The family has asked that if you have a bell to bring it along with you to the service as Bertha collected them and we would like to ring them at the end of the service. In addition, gentlemen please wear a tie as she loved to see the men dressed up.

Due to public health concerns, and in compliance with CDC guidelines, you may be asked to wait outside. Social distancing will be maintained and those in attendance are required to wear a face covering.  We thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this difficult time.