Obituary

Thelma May Bartel

1932 - 2015

Obituary

Thelma May Bartel, 82, died Feb. 10, 2015, at Kidron Bethel in North Newton.

She was born May 2, 1932, to Albert C. and Rosina (Gaeddert) Bartel in Hillsboro.

Thelma graduated from Newton High School in 1950. She was a campus kid and felt it a privilege and a joy. Her father was a builder at Bethel College, and she enjoyed running on the rafters in Memorial Hall. She was very proud of his work on the arches of Memorial Hall as they are not plain. He also built the library and Goering Hall.

Thelma graduated from Bethel College in 1954, majoring in physical education and studies in art. Thelma was employed at Bethel Deaconess and Newton Medical Center Hospital dietary for more than 30 years.

She was baptized as a teen in the Bethel College chapel by Lester Hostetler and was a member of Bethel College Mennonite Church for 68 years. An engraved wooden plaque, "53 years of faithful Chancel Choir member and music librarian BCMC 2008," signed by pastors and music director has been displayed proudly in her apartment. Thelma credits one of her ideas shared in a congregational meeting that came to fruition is the BCMC Columbarium.

Thelma was a member of Kansas BPW (Business and Professional Women) for approximately 50 years and in 1999 earned the honor of being named Woman of the Year.

She was a charter member of the Harvey County Architecture Association. She loved architecture, house plans, etc. When riding in a vehicle, she made many comments on the different houses and colors.

Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, Albert C. and Rosina Bartel; sister, Ruth Ann Giggy; and brother, Melvin Bartel.

Survivors include: brother, Lewis Clark Bartel of Albuquerque, New Mexico; nieces, Cynthia "Cyndy" Reneau (Willie) of Montgomery, Texas, Jill Elizabeth Bartel of Albuquerque, New Mexico; nephews, Hugh Kenneth Giggy (Terry), Edmond, Oklahoma, David Clark Bartel (Becky), Houston, Texas; and grandnephews, Todd Christopher Giggy, Patrick Lynn Giggy and Kenneth Windell Reneau.

Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday (Feb. 14, 2015) at Bethel College Mennonite Church in North Newton. Inurnment was at the Bethel College Mennonite Church Columbarium.

A memorial has been established for Bethel College Mennonite Church; contributions may be sent to Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, 120 E. Broadway, Newton, KS 67114.

There will be no visitation or viewing as cremation has been effected.

Condolences may be left at www.broadwaycolonialfh.com.

Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, Newton.