Bertha McMillin

Bertha L. McMillin

Age 87 of Coal City passed away peacefully on Monday, September 21, 2015 at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home.

Born July 8, 1928 in Coal City, Bertha Laurine was a daughter of the late Henry Jacob and Ida Molly Facinelli-Marketti. She was a graduate of Coal City High School with the class of 1946, and on November 16, 1947, Bertha married Mack Edwin McMillin in St. Peters Lutheran Church in Coal City.

After high school, and prior to starting her family, Bertha worked at Bailey Hardware and Printing where she initially learned accounting. After her daughters went to school she then returned back to work at the Coal City Courant.  Bertha later spent ten years in payroll with Barnard & Burke at Peoples Gas, and went on to retire after holding employment with the Coal City Public Library.

Bertha was a thirty year member of the St. Peters Lutheran Church in Coal City, before joining New Hope where she was a member for forty years. In 2003 she joined the Coal City United Methodist Church, and as an active church member throughout her life, Bertha enjoyed singing in the choir and teaching Sunday school.

She was a long-time member of the Junior League which pioneered the kindergarten in Coal City, and continued to enjoy meeting with the members of the group.  Bertha also volunteered and delivered for Meals on Wheels for many years.

Bertha loved the Chicago Cubs, and as an avid Cubs Fan, she could always be found taking stats during the games. She enjoyed cooking, reading, needlework, puzzles,  number games and dominos. Bertha took great pleasure in traveling, and enjoyed many memorable trips to Door County. She will most be remembered for her love of family.

Survivors include her two daughters: Kristine (Fred) Davidson of Coal City, Karen McMillin (Emily Gage) of Oak Park; special nieces: Monica (Cragg) Burgess of Goose Lake and Jan Walker of Morris; five grandchildren: Valarie (Tom) Berger of Racine, Wisconsin, Amy (Dave) Fowler of Romeoville, Ann (David) Droge of Russellville, Kentucky, Patty (Dan) Rodwick of Jefferson City, Missouri, Paul McMillin Gage of Oak Park; nine great grandchildren: Kayla, Rebecca, Austin, Lauryn, Ryan, Carter, Abigail, Samantha, and Jacob; many special nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, as well as a special cousin: Dee Provance of Diamond and a host of wonderful friends.

Bertha was preceded in death by her parents; husband Mack on September 2, 2013; infant son Paul Harold; one sister: Henrietta (Pat) Mallaney and one brother Marcus (Ann) Marketti.

Per Bertha’s request, green flameless cremation rites have been accorded.

The family will receive friends at the Coal City United Methodist Church, 2650 East McArdle Road in Coal City on Saturday, September 26, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. until time of memorial service 12:00 p.m. Pastor Lora Zink will officiate and a private family inurnment will follow in Braceville-Gardner Cemetery, where Bertha will be laid to rest with her husband and son.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Bertha’s memory to the Coal City United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, Joliet Area Community Hospice, or to a charity of the donor’s choosing.

Family and friends may sign the guestbook or visit Bertha's memorial page by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Green flameless cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City. (815-634-2125)