Karla Bartel

SUN CITY - Karla Bartel, 77 years, 11 months, Sun City, Ariz/, died Dec. 04, 2015. Born Jan. 01, 1938 in Jefferson, Iowa moving to Torrington, Wyo. in 1950, attended the Univ. of Wyoming and was a member of Chi Omega. She met her husband, Harvey, in Denver; they were married six months later and moved to Nebraska where they farmed. In 1963, they moved southwest of Morrill, Neb. remaining there until 1985. Both of their children started and graduated from Morrill schools. After a few years in Colorado Springs, Colo. and Santa Clarita, Calif., they moved to Sun City; she retired from the City of Youngtown in 2003. Throughout her life, she was involved in various activities (both her own and those of her children and granddaughters): garden and card clubs, bowling teams, Cub Scouts, Job's Daughters, school activities, tractor/truck driving, SCV Boys & Girls Club. After retiring, she became an active member of the West Valley Genealogical Society serving as a board member in various positions including VP and President. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. In fact "she never met a stranger". She encouraged all to find their happiness; listened or offered advice. Her kindness, generosity, strength and vibrancy will be greatly missed. Survivors: son, Gary of Billings, Mont.; daughter, Lori (Tim) Clement; and granddaughter, Senna, Phoenix; sister, Karen (Larry) Debus; nephews, Brian and Brent Debus; niece, Suzanne (Roger) Bedient and families, all of Alliance, Neb.; sister, Paula Foster, Sun City; step-granddaughters, Kirsi (Patrick) Meador, Lafayette, La. and Kaili Pivonka, Big Springs, Texas; step-great grandchildren, Saige Meador, Tristan Young and Cody Young. She was preceded in death by her parents, Phyllis and Karl Blaylock; husband, Harvey; brother, Phillip; grand aunt & uncle Bonita & Gaylord Miller; brother-in-law, Robert Foster; nephew, David Warman; and step-great grandson, Thomas Young. On Jan 14, 2016, her step-granddaughter, Kaili Pivonka passed away and was buried in Conroe, Texas. Please join us for a celebration of her life at the WVGS Library, 12222 N 111th Avenue, Youngtown, AZ 85363 on Monday, February 22, 2016 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Because of her lifelong interest in family history and her service with WVGS, the family asks that any remembrances be sent to West Valley Genealogical Society at 12222 N 111th Avenue, Youngtown, AZ 85363.