Bertha Renee Rouse Howard was born on May 30, 1948, in Carrier Mills, Illinois. After attending public school in her hometown, she pursued higher education at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois, before transferring to Langston University in Oklahoma, where she earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education.

Bertha dedicated many years to teaching, starting at Sapulpa Christian School and later at Celia Clinton Elementary, where she left a lasting impact. She loved her profession and cherished her "kids" at school, always striving to inspire and nurture young minds.

Throughout her life, Bertha lived in various places, including Illinois, Germany, California and ultimately Oklahoma. After leaving her hometown of Carrier Mills, she resided in Zion, Illinois, Norwalk, California, and Sapulpa, Oklahoma, where she made her final home.

In 1968, Bertha married Freddie Lee Howard, and together they shared 34 years of marriage. The couple had two children, Shannon and Jason Howard. She was a loving mother and deeply devoted to her family.

Bertha was preceded in death by her husband Freddie Howard, her son Shannon Howard, her parents Jack and Mildred Rouse, and her siblings Lawrence Cofield, Leonard Rouse, Myra Portis, and Teresa Rogers.

She was deeply loved by many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and friends, all of whom she adored in return. Bertha is survived by her son Jason, stepson Steve Howard, and her grandchildren: Austin, Michael, Sherell, Leah, Saniya, Malik, and Kaylon. She also leaves behind great-grandchildren: Michael Jr., Amyra, Booker, and Laila.

Services will be 1pm, Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Calvary Baptist Church, 412 N. 7th Street, Sapulpa, OK with burial to follow at St Johns Cemetery also in Sapulpa. Arrangements are under the direction of Traditions Funeral and Cremation Services, 35 S. Main, Kellyville, OK, 918-247-7373.