Bertha Ann Mustard, 80, passed away Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013, at Coulee Medical Center in Grand Coulee, Washington. She was in the arms of her daughter Mary at the time of her passing.

Bertha was born to Otto Clinton Mustard and Margaret Mae (Novotne) Mustard on September 17, 1932, in Lewiston, Idaho, one 12 children. Bertha often loved to recount her many fond memories of growing up in Lincoln, Washington, where everyone was family.

Bertha came to Nespelem, Washington, in 1951, after meeting and marrying Ira Jay Cox on September 15, 1951; six children were born to their union.

Being a farmer’s wife for years and mother raising her children, hard work was Bertha’s usual way of life. She raised huge gardens from which she would freeze, can and preserve all that she grew, Bertha never let anything go to waste. As well as caring for her garden, Bertha loved flowers, caring for any animal that was ill or needed her tender loving care, embroidering, watching the Gonzaga Bulldogs “Go ZAGS!”, Seattle Mariners, playing Solitaire and was a huge fan of Alan Jackson. A long-time member of the Grand Coulee Eagles, her family and friends fondly remember Bertha’s excellent cooking and baking.

Predeceased by both of her parents, the father of her children Ira Cox; a son Elmer Cox and five siblings; Bertha’s legacy lives on through her children: Francis Cox, Mary Cox and Daniel Cox all of Nespelem, Washington; grandchildren: Stacey Cox, Christal (Jim) Sinzdak, David (Daicia) Cox and Barbara Cox; ten great-grandchildren; brother Dan; sisters: Ethel, Barbara, Ruby, Agnes, Minerva and Donna (who, though Bertha’s niece – was raised as a sister); and numerous nephews and nieces.

Funeral services for Bertha were conducted Monday, January 28, at 10 a.m., at Strate Funeral Home in Grand Coulee, followed by interment at Wilbur Cemetery in Wilbur, Washington.

Her family requests that any donations be made in Bertha’s name to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, Okla. http://www.cancer.org

 An on-line register book for Bertha’s friends and family is available to sign at http://www.stratefuneralhome.com. Strate Funeral home of Grand Coulee, is honored to be serving Bertha’s family.