Bertha Jean (Ridge) Crump

Bertha Jean (Ridge) Crump, 86, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Monday, February 3, 2020 at her home under the care of Hospice of Northeast Missouri.

Born November 12, 1933 in Glenwood, Missouri, Bertha was the daughter of the late John Francis and Veda (McKnight) Ridge. On September 16, 1951 in Lancaster, Missouri, Bertha was united in marriage to Archie Eugene “Gene” Crump who preceded her in death on March 6, 2015. She was also preceded in death by one brother John Ridge, one sister, Carolyn Evans, father-in-law, Archie T. Crump, mother-in-law, Alice Crump, two brothers-in-law, Lloyd “Ike” Dotson and Wayne Martin, and one sister-in-law, Leola Dotson.

Bertha is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Carl Eugene and Lexi Crump of Kirksville, MO; two daughters and sons-in-law, Kathy Ann and Wayne Anderson of Glenwood, MO, and Lori Lea and Ron McElhinney of Lancaster, MO; two brothers and one sister-in-law, Larry and Gail Ridge of Clarinda, IA, and Charles Ridge of Ft. Laudrdale, FL; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Connie and Dave Spurgeon of Omaha, NE, and Betty Martin of Kirksville, MO; brother-in-law, Richard Evans of Lancaster, MO; sister-in-law, Keturah Ridge of Ottumwa, IA; seven grandchildren, Christina (Chris) Morgenstern of Kirksville, MO, Aaron Crump of Moberly, MO, David (Elissa) Anderson of LaPlata, MO, Heather (Adam) Mercer of Kirksville, MO, Alisha (Aaron) Mitchell of LaPlata, MO, Lucas (Haley) McElhinney of Lancaster, MO, and Whitney (Ethan) Rigdon of Lancaster, MO; twelve great-grandchildren and one on the way, as well as and a number of nieces and nephews.

Bertha was a graduate from Queen City High School. She was employed as a supervisor for the Department of Family Services until her retirement.

Bertha was a very devoted member of Hamilton Street Baptist Church where she loved teaching Sunday School. She also donated time to RSVP and was a volunteer at Village 76.

Bertha will be remembered for being a very loving mother, grandmother and friend. Her family and church family was the pride and joy of her life. She had a smile that could light up a room and a laugh that was contagious.

Public visitation will be held Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at Travis-Noe Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 6, 2020 at Hamilton Street Baptist Church in Kirksville with Pastor Steve Nelson and Garrett Trunk officiating. Interment will follow the service at Park View Memorial Gardens in Kirksville.

Pallbearers will be David Anderson, Lucas McElhinney, Aaron Crump, Ethan Rigdon, Aaron Mitchell, Chris Morgenstern, and Adam Mercer. Honorary pallbearers will be Dana Brown and Doug Athon.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Bertha may be made to Hospice of Northeast Missouri or to Hamilton Street Baptist Church and may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.