Alberta Pirtle Coleman, a loving and devoted wife, mom, grandma, and friend, went to her Heavenly Home on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the age of 94.

Born on August 17, 1931, in East Alton, Illinois, Alberta was the oldest of five children born to Noel Phillips and Lola (Estes) Phillips. She grew up in Fredericktown, Missouri, where she attended a one-room country schoolhouse and learned the values of hard work and perseverance that would guide her throughout her life.

At the age of 15, Alberta began working at Brown Shoe Factory to help support her family. Her strong work ethic and sense of responsibility were evident from an early age. She continued working there for some time after her marriage, always willing to do whatever was needed to provide for those she loved.

On December 18, 1948, Alberta was united in marriage to Stanton Pirtle in Pocahontas, Arkansas. While Stanton served in the United States Marine Corps, the couple lived in California for a time before returning to Missouri to raise their family. Together they were blessed with four daughters.

Alberta knew what it meant to work hard, sacrifice, and make the most of what she had. She raised her children during times when conveniences were few, yet she never let life’s challenges diminish the love and care she poured into her family. After moving to Desloge, she worked for the North County School District as a cafeteria cook for several years.

Following Stanton’s passing, Alberta found companionship and happiness again when she married Sam Coleman in September 1991. Together they shared many wonderful years and cherished memories. They enjoyed one another’s companionship and were well known for frequently trading cars—so much so that family and friends never quite knew what vehicle they might arrive in next. Their life together was filled with laughter, friendship, and simple joys.

A talented seamstress with remarkable skill and creativity, Alberta always kept busy. She loved sewing and made much of her own clothing as well as clothing for her family. Her beautiful handmade quilts became treasured gifts, each one stitched with love and given to family and friends. She also enjoyed raising a large vegetable garden, canning her harvest, and making homemade jelly. Alberta could often be found outdoors tending her flowers and soaking up the sunshine.

At the age of 71, Alberta discovered a passion for scrapbooking. Her albums became priceless keepsakes filled with generations of family memories. She had an incredible memory and could recall every detail behind the photographs she preserved, ensuring that her family’s history would be cherished for years to come. Alberta was a woman of grace and dignity, a classy lady who always took pride in her appearance. Her hair was always fixed, and her makeup applied.

Above all, Alberta was a God-fearing woman whose faith sustained her through every season of life. She trusted the Lord through life’s struggles and rejoiced in His blessings. She loved reading her Bible and believed deeply in the power of God’s Word and the power of prayer. Throughout the years, she attended Free Will Baptist churches, as well as Pleasant View Assembly, Faith Fellowship, and most recently Harvest Christian Centre. Alberta was known as a prayer warrior whose faith was evident in both word and deed, and her prayers touched the lives of many. Throughout her life, Alberta consistently placed the needs of others before her own. Whether caring for her family, working, or serving her community, she gave generously of her time, energy, and love.

Those left to treasure her memory include her four daughters, Connie Bales and husband Dickie “Shorty” Bales, Joyce Pirtle, Donna Pirtle, and Lisa Reminger and husband Steve Reminger; twelve grandchildren, Angi Gibson and husband Bobby, Misty Sheets and husband Jerry, Scott Wolfe and wife Sarah, Matthew Bales and wife Krista, Michael Matheson, Joshua Matheson and wife Cara, Kayla Barlow, Sara Dayma and husband Avi, Alyssa Bowyer and husband Brad, Eli Yates, Abbi Robison, and Heidi Robison; fourteen great-grandchildren; eleven great-great-grandchildren; her brother, Glen Phillips and wife Peggy; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

In addition to her parents, Alberta was preceded in death by her first husband, Stanton Pirtle; her second husband, Sam Coleman; three siblings, Charles Phillips, Mae Jordan, and Louise Coleman; and many other beloved relatives.

Alberta’s family was her greatest joy and her proudest accomplishment. Her legacy of faith, love, hard work, generosity, and devotion to family will continue to live on through all who were blessed to know her.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Harvest Christian Centre, 1925 Highway 32, Park Hills, Missouri 63601. Visitation will resume on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from 9:00 AM until the time of the Homegoing Service at 11:00 AM at Harvest Christian Centre, with Pastor Dwight Jones officiating.

Interment and final prayers will follow at St. Francois Memorial Park. Funeral arrangements for Ms. Alberta were respectfully entrusted to the care and direction of DeClue Funeral Home.

Though her family grieves her passing, they rejoice in the assurance that she is now at home in the presence of her Lord and Savior, reunited with loved ones, and hearing the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”