Bertha Jean Mullins

Bertha Jean (Jones) Mullins was born on March 8, 1932, in Brooks, Oregon to Samuel Paul and Blanche (Evans) Jones. She would graduate from Salem High School with the class of 1950.

In the spring of 1950 Bertha met the love of her life, Ronald Dean Mullins at the home of her future in-laws. They were married August 11, 1950 in Salem, Oregon. They celebrated 56 years together before Ron passed away.

Within the first 7 years of marriage, they welcomed 5 children. Barrie, Don, Rex, Deborah and Jeff.

Ron and Bertha raised their family in Oregon, Washington and North Carolina. Wherever they lived, they loved to travel and explore the country.

They returned to Oregon for good in 1973.

Bertha was from a pioneer family that settled in Brooks after traveling the Oregon Trail in 1853.

During her lifetime she would work a multitude of jobs including being a mom, cannery worker, business owner, and lead checker for both Fred Meyer and Walmart, but her favorite job was being “Granny” and grandma.

In her spare time, she enjoyed gardening, and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was a master game player and puzzle builder. She loved both exercising at the local pool, and a good hashbrowns and gravy breakfast. She loved to read historical romance novels and then share what she learned. Her favorite show was Wheel of Fortune, and she made the second round cuts at the age of 88. Bertha was also a Blue Bird leader, Scouts leader, and Elks member.

On May 3, 2023, Bertha passed away in Keizer, Oregon. She was preceded in passing by her husband Ronald,her two sons Barrie and Don as well as both of her parents and all 6 of her siblings. She is survived by her children, Rex Orville Mullins, Deborah Kaye Mullins (Alan) Heckle, Jeff Alan (Tamara) Mullins; grandchildren, Theresa, MaeLynne, Donikka, Nicole, Cody, Sierra, Logann, Spencer, Shane, Justin and 16 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, if you’d like to donate to the family park, The Nook, donations can be sent (on behalf of Bertha) to SWRJ family Inc. c/o Jeff Ramp 8505 75th Ave NE Salem, Oregon 97305-9704 A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, May 11, from 5-7 at The Nook.