Bertie Countryman
Birta “Bertie” Bell Brownell Countryman, 95, of Belton Missouri moved on to heaven April 11, 2021. Bertie was born on July 6, 1925 in Waukomis, Oklahoma to Albert Henry Brownell and Edith Tea Brownell.
Bertie was raised on a farm and was the eighth of nine children. They were a self sufficient family, raising their own animals and growing fruits and vegetables. Grandma Tea was a big influence in her life as a young girl, teaching her many life skills, including preparing and cooking meals, baking, and sewing. She enjoyed family gatherings on the farm and playing with her cousins. Her family attended the Assembly of God church.
On February 15, 1944, Bertie married Eddie Lee Countryman in Enid, Oklahoma. Eddie was in the Army so they reported to El Paso, Texas shortly after being married. After his discharge from the Army, they moved to Fairview, Oklahoma and eventually to Guymon, Oklahoma, where they settled down to raise their family. Thru the years., they were blessed with seven children.
Bertie always made sure the kids attended Sunday School and was eventually a first grade Sunday School teacher herself for many years. She was baptized at the Guymon First Church of the Nazarene and sang in the choir there as well for many years.
In the home Bertie prepared all the meals and dinner was always on the table when Eddie arrived home from work. Most of the children’s clothing was made by Bertie. She enjoyed playing Dominos when they had company over. Every summer, the family went camping in Colorado.
Bertie prepared meals at Guymon High School for many years, where she was the head Baker for the school district. This is where she perfected her cinnamon roll recipe, as well as many other of her family’s favorites. After that, she worked for many years at Stanfield’s Printing Company (operating the printing press) until her retirement.
In 1994, Bertie and Eddie celebrated fifty years of marriage with a large family gathering in Guymon, Oklahoma. This was a very special memory for her.
Bertie, affectionately known as Grandma Bell, spent the last 15+ years of her life in the Kansas City, Missouri area. She lived first in an apartment in Grandview, Missouri and then in a duplex with her daughter Peggy in Belton, Missouri for the last 13 years. During this time, she has attended Grandview Church of the Nazarene and enjoyed hosting a small Bible study group in her home. She also regularly enjoyed many family get togethers for birthdays & holidays. There were regular visits from her daughters Ruth & Patti as well as many of her grandchildren. Bertie always looked forward to regular phone calls from her son Bob and her daughter Donna.
Bertie was preceded in death by her husband Eddie, 2 daughters (Roberta Jean & an un-named baby), her parents, 7 siblings, 2 son in laws, and many other family and friends.
Bertie is survived by her brother Lester Brownell of Springfield, Missouri, daughter Donna Goodson of Hot Springs, Arkansas, daughter Peggy Sargent of Belton, Missouri, daughter Ruth Richardson (Charlie) of Grandview, Missouri, son Bob Countryman (Sheila) of Houston, Texas, daughter Patti Countryman of Belton, Missouri, Grandchildren Edward Rice (Paulette), Tina Zollinger (Shon), Toni Chance (Shane), James Goodson (Carmen), Jason Goodson (Staci), Doug Sargent (Karmen), Dee Dee Crider (Dan), Laina Stendahl (Jim), Darla Turner (Paul), Chad Haddock (Julia), Lance Haddock (Melanie), Chad Richardson (Amanda), Mike Richardson (Heidi), Doug Shaver (Jill), Matt Kelly (Kari), Chantelle Ware (Zack), Savannah Dendy, 51 great grandchildren, 21 great great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren on the way.
Grandma Bell will be remembered as a lover of God, a wonderful wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. She was an avid reader of inspirational books, reading 1 and many times 2 books per day. This was the case even up to within 6 weeks of her home going. Bertie loved making blankets for her great grandchildren. Cinnamon rolls, fried chicken, and Bertie burgers will always be affectionately remembered by anyone who enjoyed them. Her quick wit was enjoyed by all who knew her, even in her last couple of weeks. Most of all, she loved Jesus and truly desires all her family & friends to know Him and spend eternity in heaven with her.