Bertha Coates

On Monday, August 18, 2025, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Bertha (Saumty) Coates of Edmond, Oklahoma, left this world surrounded by love at the age of 73.

Bertha was born on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1951, in Lawton, Oklahoma, to Calvin and Marjorie (Mowatt) Saumty. From the very beginning, her warm spirit and quick smile brought joy to those around her. She graduated from Classen High School and went on to earn her bachelor's degree in education from Oklahoma Baptist University-fulfilling her lifelong calling to teach and inspire others.

For more than 30 years, Bertha poured her heart into teaching elementary school, with a special love for her fourth graders. She had a gift for connecting with children, encouraging them to dream big, and reminding them of their worth. Her influence didn't stop at the classroom door-many of her former students kept in touch with her throughout their lives, a testament to the lasting impact she made.

Outside of teaching, Bertha's greatest joy was her family. She adored being a mother and grandmother, and nothing made her happier than time spent with her daughters and her beloved grandchildren, who affectionately called her "Grammaw." Whether cheering on her grandkids, sharing stories of her childhood, or simply offering a listening ear, she filled her family's lives with love, laughter, and unwavering support.

Bertha will be remembered for her kindness, her strength, and her devotion to her family, friends, and students. She leaves behind a legacy of love and encouragement that will continue to ripple through the many lives she touched.

She is survived by her daughters, Cara Coates-Rose and husband Michael of Noble, OK, and Andrea McClimans and husband Edward of Edmond, OK; her cherished grandchildren, Payson Rose, Sawyer "Bubba" Rose, and Harper McClimans; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Calvin and Marjorie (Mowatt) Saumty; siblings Ronald Gene Saumty, Gerald Wayne Saumty, Cheryl Elaine (Saumty) Enriquez, Charlene Janice Saumty, Calvin Saumty Jr.; and her nephew, Michael Wayne Saumty.

Funeral Service: 2:00 p.m., Thursday, August 21, 2025

Cedar Creek United Methodist Church, Carnegie

Visitation: 9:00 am-12:00pm Thursday, August 21, 2025

Ray and Martha's Funeral Home, Carnegie, OK

Interment: Cedar Creek Cemetery, Carnegie, OK

Under the direction of Ray & Martha's Funeral Home, Carnegie, OK