Thelma Bartz was born August 11, 1930 in Molt, Montana to Milton and Marguerite Israel. After growing up in Broadview and Billings, she met a cowboy named Jim Bartz. They were married shortly after the Second World War. They began a family and ultimately had three girls, Diane, Connie and Pam, and a few years later, son Tim was added to the clan.
Thelma was a great Christian example to her husband, who left a life of livestock and rodeo to attend college and become a pastor. Thelma lived a consistent life of stewardship using her talents to support her husband’s ministry. She played the piano for worship services, taught Sunday School classes for all ages, served as a counselor and mentor for countless others and provided Sunday dinner to a different family each week for decades, all while raising a family and working as an employee in a number of banks in the communities where Jim pastored.
Thelma was a wonderful daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. She loved her family and did her very best to make home a place of safety and good memories. She was supportive and loving, devoted to prayer for her family, strong on moral character and values and concerned that those in her circle of influence make a life-long commitment to their faith in God.
On Sunday, November 20, her Lord and Savior graciously took her to heaven to live with Him there. She is survived by two sisters, Betty Rue and Sandi (Pat) Henderson; daughters Diane (Dale) Leach of Fort Collins, CO and Pam Benton of Tucson, AZ, her son Tim (Tricia) Bartz of Helena, her son-in law Art (Ora) Adams of Plano, TX, 6 grandchildren (Leisha, Loree, Lynnette, Caron, Jacklyn and Jordan) 10 great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, her daughter Connie, her parents and her sister and best friend, Ethel Harding. We believe her spirit is joined in a joyful reunion with all those she loved who prepared the way for her.
The family extends its deep appreciation to all the wonderful caregivers at Rosetta Assisted Living for their loving and tender care of Thelma over the past 6 months and special thanks to William Snider, D.O. for his compassion and thoughtful care provided to Thelma during her myriad health challenges of 2016.
There will be a memorial service on Tuesday, November 29 at 4:00 PM at Helena Nazarene Church, 117 Valley Drive. The memorial service will be followed by a meal in the Church’s fellowship hall. If you knew Thelma, please join us in celebrating a life well-lived. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Thelma.
v. thompson says
My sincere condolences to the family of Thelma Bartz. May you find comfort in your loving memories, and in God’s promise to soon “swallow up death forever” and “wipe away the tears from all faces.” (Isaiah 25;8) With deepest sympathy,
Lexsey Carpenter says
I am so sorry for your loss! In my time taking care of Thelma at Rosetta, I grew to love her very much. She had the best hugs and the greatest smile! I will miss her dearly!
Dwight & Ann Lamm says
To the Bartz family. We are sorry for your loss, but we know heaven is rejoicing. Thelma was such a good friend to us as we worked, fellowshipped, and played together in Pablo and Ronan. We will be thinking of you in the days to come. Love, Dwight & Ann Lamm.
Sharon Laird Reighard says
Praying for the family. Jim and Thelma was my pastor when I was in my teens. Their daughters especially Pam were my friends. My parents would have them out for a meal so they could have a day off. Love all of you.
Cheilon Bell says
Deepest sympathy – wishing much love and comfort – (1 Cor 1:3,4)
Mary Eckmann says
Please know your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Over the past 20 years I have taken care of Thelma’s aching back and neck…. I so enjoyed her visits! She always shined with the joy and peace that comes from Jesus even when she didn’t feel good. A hug from her was so sincere! She will be missed but we can all find comfort in knowing she is reunited with loved ones in a place far better than this! ?Mary