Obituary of Ethel Catherine Bartelen

Ethel passed away in Strathmore Alberta with family at her side in Sagewood Agecare, where she has resided for the past 6 years. 

She is survived by her seven children, Tony (Judy), Harold (Maxine), Viola (Garnet) Rodgers, Melvin (Debbie), Brian (Twila), Bob, and Darryl (Sara) as well as her brother Tom. 14 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren (plus one on the way). Ethel was predeceased by her husband Anton Bartelen, and her parents Harold and Viola Ackles, as well as 2 brothers Melvin and Ralph Ackles, and her daughter in law Kelly Keith.

Ethel was born in Suffield Alberta, where she lived until 1939, when her parents moved to Richmond B.C. She remained in that area until she met and married Anton in 1955. She moved to the farm with Anton to raise their 7 children, starting first in a small 3 room house with no electricity and a wood stove for heat. Electricity arrived soon after and in 1960, Anton and Ethel built a new house, where they raised the family until retiring and moving to town in 1985.

Ethel enjoyed gardening, square dancing, playing cards, and singing in the Church choir. Her favourite thing was having her family around her.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the wonderful neighbors they had over the years, as well as the caregivers in Sagewood, who cared for mom.

A funeral mass will be held on Saturday October 21, 2023 at Hope Community Covenant Church, at 10:30 a.m. The interment for Ethel will take place following the service at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Strathmore. Following the interment, lunch will be served at the Strathmore Travelodge.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice.