Jean Ellis Bartz
July 24th, 1925 - August 28th, 2023
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Jean's Obituary
Jean Ellis Bartz passed away on August 28, 2023 at Woodland Terrace in Bridgman.
Jean was born in Joliet, IL on July 24, 1925. She graduated from Knox College with a B. A. in Music Education in 1947. While at Knox she met her husband, Robert Bartz. They were married in 1947 and settled in the Twin Cities area where Bob joined the family auto dealership.
Jean and Bob spent many happy years in the St. Joe-Benton Harbor area, raising four children and enjoying community activities. Jean taught music at local schools, including Lake Michigan Catholic. She earned her Master’s in Music from Andrews University in 1968 and went on to teach at Lake Michigan College. Over the years she was active in Twin City Players, Andrews University Early Music Ensemble, and other musical performing groups. She was the long-time choir director and organist at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. On retirement, Jean and Bob moved to St. Simon’s Island, GA where Jean continued to be involved in church music. They returned to St. Joe in 1998 to be near family.
A farm girl at heart, Jean loved all God’s creatures. She found companionship in many dear friends of both the two and four-legged variety. She was an avid reader, supporter of the arts and lifelong learner. Friends inspired her, faith sustained her and her family was her pride and joy.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband Bob, brother Jack Ellis, grandson Andy Coffman and son-in-law Dick Wenham. She is survived by her children Nancy Wenham of Lakeland, FL, Cindy (Miles) Coffman of St. Joseph, Betsy Bartz (Leo Utsman) of Benton Harbor, and Bruce (LeeAnn) Bartz of Benton Harbor; grandchildren Erin and Mark Wenham, Ben (Lan) Coffman, Ryan (Katie) Coffman, Cam Utsman, Taylor, Kip and Cassidy Bartz, and great grandchildren May, Maggie, Henry, and Max Coffman.
The family will receive visitors on Thursday, September 7, from 5-7 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 8, at 10:30 AM at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 914 Lane Drive, St. Joseph.
In lieu of flowers the family requests any memorial gifts go to: The Friends of Berrien County Animal Control, www.friendsofbcac.org P. O. Box 12, Riverside, MI 49084; The Humane Society of SW Michigan, www.humanesocietyswm.org 5400 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI 49085; or St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 269-556-9450.
Jean was born in Joliet, IL on July 24, 1925. She graduated from Knox College with a B. A. in Music Education in 1947. While at Knox she met her husband, Robert Bartz. They were married in 1947 and settled in the Twin Cities area where Bob joined the family auto dealership.
Jean and Bob spent many happy years in the St. Joe-Benton Harbor area, raising four children and enjoying community activities. Jean taught music at local schools, including Lake Michigan Catholic. She earned her Master’s in Music from Andrews University in 1968 and went on to teach at Lake Michigan College. Over the years she was active in Twin City Players, Andrews University Early Music Ensemble, and other musical performing groups. She was the long-time choir director and organist at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. On retirement, Jean and Bob moved to St. Simon’s Island, GA where Jean continued to be involved in church music. They returned to St. Joe in 1998 to be near family.
A farm girl at heart, Jean loved all God’s creatures. She found companionship in many dear friends of both the two and four-legged variety. She was an avid reader, supporter of the arts and lifelong learner. Friends inspired her, faith sustained her and her family was her pride and joy.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband Bob, brother Jack Ellis, grandson Andy Coffman and son-in-law Dick Wenham. She is survived by her children Nancy Wenham of Lakeland, FL, Cindy (Miles) Coffman of St. Joseph, Betsy Bartz (Leo Utsman) of Benton Harbor, and Bruce (LeeAnn) Bartz of Benton Harbor; grandchildren Erin and Mark Wenham, Ben (Lan) Coffman, Ryan (Katie) Coffman, Cam Utsman, Taylor, Kip and Cassidy Bartz, and great grandchildren May, Maggie, Henry, and Max Coffman.
The family will receive visitors on Thursday, September 7, from 5-7 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 8, at 10:30 AM at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 914 Lane Drive, St. Joseph.
In lieu of flowers the family requests any memorial gifts go to: The Friends of Berrien County Animal Control, www.friendsofbcac.org P. O. Box 12, Riverside, MI 49084; The Humane Society of SW Michigan, www.humanesocietyswm.org 5400 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI 49085; or St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 269-556-9450.
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