Bertha Jo Pair

Bertha Jo (Carroll) Pair was born on January 11, 1940 in Pryor, Oklahoma, the daughter of Dave and Agnes (McAlister) Carroll. Bertha was a graduate of Kansas High School and spent much of her life working alongside her husband, John, as they owned and operated several businesses throughout the years. Their ventures included a propane company, dairy queen, a pawn shop, and an antique store. Bertha had an eye for antiques and enjoyed the many years she spent as a business owner, but no business or accomplishment ever meant as much to her as her family.

Family was truly the center of Bertha’s life. She loved being surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, and she rarely missed an opportunity to attend one of her grandchildren’s sporting events. If someone she loved was playing, competing, or participating, Bertha wanted to be there cheering them on. She was also a wonderful cook who showed her love through the meals she prepared. When her children were young, homemade cinnamon rolls and fresh rolls were familiar treats in Bertha’s home. She took great pride in keeping a beautiful and spotless home and made those who entered it feel welcomed and cared for. A Christian by faith, Bertha was a member of Galilean Church and will be remembered as an incredibly sweet, kind, and loving woman. On Tuesday, August 25, 2026, this precious woman of God was called home to meet her Lord and Savior at the age of 86. Her family will especially smile when remembering some of her favorite expressions, including, “I ain’t never,” and, after giving something a little thought, “Ummm… I’ll declare.” Those simple sayings, along with countless other memories, will continue to bring Bertha’s voice and personality to mind for those who knew her best.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Dave and Agnes Carroll, beloved husband, John Pair, one brother Eugene Carroll, and one sister, Connie Duncan.

Bertha is survived by her son, Eddie Pair and wife Arlene of Twin Oaks, Oklahoma; her daughter, Tayla Douglas of Grove, Oklahoma, and her brother, Daryl Carroll and wife Deana of Kansas, Oklahoma. Her legacy lives on through her six grandchildren, Brandon Pair of Little Rock, Arkansas, J.R. Pair and wife Christy of Little Rock, Arkansas, Cassie Douglas of Grove, Oklahoma, Swain Foreman and wife Emma of Kansas, Oklahoma, Ryan Vann of Twin Oaks, Oklahoma, and Daran Vann of Twin Oaks, Oklahoma; eight great-grandchildren, Cheyenne Douglas, Dakota Douglas, Grayson Spencer, Neila Foreman, Kelsea Vann, Rainey Vann, Chase Pair, and Jamie McNeal; two great-great-grandchildren, Allee McNeal and Emma McNeal; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who loved her dearly.

A service honoring Bertha’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Galilean Church in Kansas, Oklahoma, with Pastor Susan Reed and David Tucker officiating.

Bertha leaves behind a life defined by family, hard work, faith, kindness, and love. The businesses she helped build were an important part of her story, but her greatest legacy will always be found in the generations of family she loved, encouraged, fed, supported, and cared for throughout her life.