Mary V. Bartels
January 4th, 1923 - April 1st, 2023
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Mary's Obituary
Mary V. Bartels, 100, passed away peacefully after a full life on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Pine Ridge Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Stevensville, MI.
Friends may visit with the family honoring Mary at Fairplain Presbyterian Church in Benton Harbor, Michigan on Thursday, April 20, 2023, beginning at 10:00am. A celebration of life service will begin at 11 am following the visitation. Cremation has taken place but a private service for disposition of her ashes will be at Beech Grove Cemetery in Pomeroy, Ohio later this spring. Those wishing to leave a memorial donation may make it to Fairplain Presbyterian Church where Mary was a charter member. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starksfamilyfh.com.
Mary was born January 4, 1923 in Pomeroy, Ohio to Elmer and Norma, nee Tracy, Goodwin. She graduated from Pomeroy High School where she loved studying history. She also enjoyed working in her mother’s Florist Shop (Norma Goodwin Florist). After high school, Mary attended The Ohio State University where she majored in Home Economics. During her time at OSU, she lived with her Aunt Hilah and Uncle John in Columbus. Aunt Hilah was an excellent host and helped mentor Mary in the fine art of hosting dinner parties and entertaining.
After two years of college, she returned home to help in her mother’s florist business. Her three older brothers joined the armed forces to fight in WWII. Mary not only helped her mother, but she also had a job working at a TNT plant in West Virginia. She often commented about how working with all the chemicals had turned her hair orange. During the war, she faithfully wrote letters to the love her life, Bill Bartels who was a Marine fighting in the Pacific Theater. On June 16, 1946, she married William Curtis Bartels in Pomeroy, Ohio.
The newlyweds moved to Cincinnati, Ohio where they both worked at Crosley Home Appliances. Mary was a home economist and demonstrated how to properly use Crosley Appliances in the home. Since Mary was not able to have children, she and Bill decided to adopt and begin their family. Barbara Ann was adopted in May 1955 and William Olan was adopted on December 21, 1957.
In 1958, the family moved to Stevensville, Michigan where Mary worked as a secretary at Roosevelt Elementary School, Lakeshore Baptist Church and store manager for a children’s clothing store called “The Young Set.”
Mary will be remembered for her flamboyant style, scrapbooking and event planning. Everyone knew when Mary walked into the room. She had a commanding presence. During her life, she was active in her church, Blossomtime, Twin City Players and Monday Musical Club. She was also member of Eastern Star, Dorcas Chapter #27 since 9/24/53.
Mary is survived by her children, Barbara (James) Grandy and William Bartels; her grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her parents; and brothers, Olin, Tracy and David.
Friends may visit with the family honoring Mary at Fairplain Presbyterian Church in Benton Harbor, Michigan on Thursday, April 20, 2023, beginning at 10:00am. A celebration of life service will begin at 11 am following the visitation. Cremation has taken place but a private service for disposition of her ashes will be at Beech Grove Cemetery in Pomeroy, Ohio later this spring. Those wishing to leave a memorial donation may make it to Fairplain Presbyterian Church where Mary was a charter member. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starksfamilyfh.com.
Mary was born January 4, 1923 in Pomeroy, Ohio to Elmer and Norma, nee Tracy, Goodwin. She graduated from Pomeroy High School where she loved studying history. She also enjoyed working in her mother’s Florist Shop (Norma Goodwin Florist). After high school, Mary attended The Ohio State University where she majored in Home Economics. During her time at OSU, she lived with her Aunt Hilah and Uncle John in Columbus. Aunt Hilah was an excellent host and helped mentor Mary in the fine art of hosting dinner parties and entertaining.
After two years of college, she returned home to help in her mother’s florist business. Her three older brothers joined the armed forces to fight in WWII. Mary not only helped her mother, but she also had a job working at a TNT plant in West Virginia. She often commented about how working with all the chemicals had turned her hair orange. During the war, she faithfully wrote letters to the love her life, Bill Bartels who was a Marine fighting in the Pacific Theater. On June 16, 1946, she married William Curtis Bartels in Pomeroy, Ohio.
The newlyweds moved to Cincinnati, Ohio where they both worked at Crosley Home Appliances. Mary was a home economist and demonstrated how to properly use Crosley Appliances in the home. Since Mary was not able to have children, she and Bill decided to adopt and begin their family. Barbara Ann was adopted in May 1955 and William Olan was adopted on December 21, 1957.
In 1958, the family moved to Stevensville, Michigan where Mary worked as a secretary at Roosevelt Elementary School, Lakeshore Baptist Church and store manager for a children’s clothing store called “The Young Set.”
Mary will be remembered for her flamboyant style, scrapbooking and event planning. Everyone knew when Mary walked into the room. She had a commanding presence. During her life, she was active in her church, Blossomtime, Twin City Players and Monday Musical Club. She was also member of Eastern Star, Dorcas Chapter #27 since 9/24/53.
Mary is survived by her children, Barbara (James) Grandy and William Bartels; her grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her parents; and brothers, Olin, Tracy and David.
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