Ruth Bartz

Ruth Bartz, age 94, of McIntosh, MN, passed away on Thursday, October 7th, at McIntosh Senior Living. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 16th, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in McIntosh with the Rev. John Anderson officiating. Interment will be in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, McIntosh. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service on Friday, October 15th, at the McIntosh Community Center. There will also be reviewal for one hour prior to the service on Saturday morning at the church. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of McIntosh and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com. The funeral service will be recorded and available for viewing later in the day on Saturday on the Carlin website.

Ruth M. Bartz was born January 29, 1927 the daughter of Elizabeth Dixon and William K. Bell. She was born in her grandparent’s home in Hiteman, Iowa, and lived there until she was 5. Her father, a road construction worker, then moved his family to McIntosh where she spent the rest of her life, except for 22 months, in Condon, Oregon.

Ruth was baptized and confirmed at Our Saviors Lutheran Church.  She graduated from high school in 1945. After her marriage, to her high school sweetheart Marvin Bartz, on May 6, 1946 in Wood Lake Minnesota, Ruth became a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church where she faithfully served the rest of her days.

Ruth and Marvin were blessed with 4 children Errol, Larry, Shirley, and Rae Ann. They raised their children on the Bartz family farm south of McIntosh. Ruth grew up in town but soon became Marvin’s partner where she did anything and everything that needed to be done, including fieldwork, milking cows, and cooking and canning, the true farmwife and mother. They loved raising their children on the farm, and instilled in them a strong work ethic, and a strong faith. They also encouraged them to treat others with kindness, and to always lend a helping hand. 4-H became a big part of family life where the kids showed at the county fair in many different projects but always loved the animals the most, just like Ruth. She served as a 4-H leader for many years and helped many youth with the same enthusiasm as she helped her own. During this time she also worked at the McIntosh Bakery for 13 years.

Ruth also served her church as President of the Ladies Aid for many years and served on numerous committees. She attended LWML rallies and strongly believed in spreading God’s word throughout the world. Ruth has many other activities she liked to stay busy with such as quilting, stitching, bowling and her and Marvin loved to square dance.

Both her sons served their country in the military, Errol a Marine, and Larry in the Army. She took great pride in their service and loved her country. She endured tremendous pain as they both died from cancer, Larry in 1985 and Errol in 2021. She also lost her loving husband Marvin, in 1998 to Parkinson’s disease.

She moved off the farm in the fall of ’99 and moved to Poplar Meadows in 2014.

During these years her ties with friends and church grew even stronger. She loved her circle of friends and the activities they shared together. She was known to be an avid bingo and 31 player at Poplar Meadows. But above all it was family that meant the most to her. Holidays, family celebrations and gathering were always among her priorities. Many times were spent full of laughter and fun with always a little advice and a dose of humor thrown in for good measure.  Ruth spent the last nine weeks at McIntosh Senior Living where she was blessed with wonderful care.

On October 7, 2021, just as the sun rose from the sky, her Loving Savior gently lifted her into His arms and carried her home.

Ruth is survived by her daughters, Shirley Meloche, and Rae Ann Bartz, her sister Jane (Robert Haug), her daughters-in-law Cindy Bartz and Linda Fixsen, 7 grandchildren Todd Bartz (Ben Maestas) , Wendy Bartz  Soppa (Travis), Carrie Kohlleppel (Jeff), Matthew Bartz, Shana Funk (Andy), Lacey Jacob (Brad), and Megan Meloche. She is also survived by 11 great grandchildren, Jordan (Liz), Keely, Kellan, Kiera, Kade, Justine, Wesley, Judson, Austin, Alexis, Baili and Alli, a niece Rachel Smith, and 5 nephews Mike, Brian, Don, John Haug, and Scott Nephew. Also surviving is her brother-in-law Arvid Nephew, and many extended family and friends. She also left behind her faithful companion, her cat Callie, who has brought her much joy the last 12 years.

Preceding her in death were her husband Marvin, her sons Errol and Larry, her parents, William Bell and Elizabeth “Bell” Borgeson, her in laws, Max and Irene Bartz, her sister-in-law Irma Nephew, and her niece Natalie Peterson.

A very special “Thank You” to Arlene Eggers for her friendship, assistance and care she gave to Ruth.

The family would also like to extend their gratitude to the staff of Poplar Meadows and McIntosh Senior Living for the wonderful care and love given to Ruth.

May warm memories surround you all.