Bertha Fern McConkey

Bertha Fern McConkey, age 94, of Pickford, Michigan, died March 23, 2018, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. She was born May 13, 1923, in Sault Ste. Marie, to Ross and Hazel (Brown) Clow. Bertha grew up in Sault Ste. Marie and Pickford. She met Clifford McConkey while they were both working in the Sault. They were married February 5, 1941 at the Pickford Church of the Nazarene, and hold the honor of being the first wedding ceremony ever held in that church. They made their home in Pickford where they raised their five children. Bertha enjoyed camping, baking, and growing various flowering plants. She also enjoyed completing jigsaw and word puzzles. She was an avid game player, participating in Parcheesi, Aggravation, and Rummy. Above all, she enjoyed her family. She spent countless hours caring for her grandchildren after school and during the summer months while they were growing up. Gathering the family for dinner after church on Sunday was always a special time for her. She made cookies, cinnamon rolls and pies that her family considered the best ever. Family members often stopped in to sit around her kitchen table to enjoy her baked goods and conversation. Bertha is survived by her children, Richard (Kathy) McConkey, Sandy (Jim) Stain, Brenda (Ed) Stain, Steve (Peggy) McConkey, and Tim McConkey, all of Pickford; seven grandchildren, Dianne (Bernard) Paige, Darren McConkey, Paul (Yvonne) McConkey, Angela (Brian) Nettleton, Chad (Beth) Stain, Carrie Cryderman, and Clifford (Casey) McConkey; and eleven great grandchildren, Michael Paige, Nicholas Paige, Sophie McConkey, Hannah McConkey, Owen McConkey, Edyn Nettleton, Ava Nettleton, Annah Stain, Lance Cryderman, Emma Cryderman, and Megan Cryderman. She is also survived by one sister, Twyla Bellanger of Florida, and two sisters-in-law, Joanne Clow of Sault Ste. Marie and Violet Smith of Pickford. Bertha was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford; sisters, Eva McLeod, Phyllis Webb, and Betty Wilson; and brothers, Earl Clow, Robert “Bob” Clow, and Howard Clow. The visitation and funeral service for Bertha will be private. Burial will be later this spring at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens in Bruce Township, Michigan. Memorial contributions may be made to New Horizons Church of the Nazarene, P.O. Box 156, Pickford, MI 49774.

Tributes

Bertha Fern McConkey

May 13, 1923 - March 23, 2018