Bertha Mae Rance passed away peacefully Friday night, July 19, 2019, with her loving niece Anne at her bedside. Bertha was born August 9, 1936 to parents Felix, Sr. and Cora Gray in Jonesboro, Louisiana. She relocated to Yakima, Washington in 1964 and shortly thereafter she met her future husband Ray Rance who she wed on May 2, 1965.
Bertha enjoyed her home and was a meticulous homemaker. She loved her flowers and would often be seen working among them in her yard. She also had a love for her dogs Missy and Venus, who brought her much comfort during her illness. Her “second” family was her church. She was a member of Mount Hope Baptist Church for over 50 years where she served as Superintendent of the Sunday School, was President of the Usher Board and member of the Women’s Missionary Society and the Senior Choir. Her love of flowers carried over to the church and she could often be seen working and caring for the church flower beds. She was also a long time member of the Yakima Chapter NAACP.
Bertha is survived by her son Christian Rance; two sisters, Joyce Smith and Gracie Gipson; and two brothers, Felix Gray, Jr., and Elmo Gray, one sister-in-law Mamie Gray, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and her close friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Ray Rance, both parents, brothers Elgie, Raymond, Ellis and Velma.
Bertha is now resting peacefully in the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The family wishes to express its deep appreciation for those who made this last journey with her…….her caregivers, her friends, her ministers and others.