Ila Mae Bartels

 Ila Mae Bartels, 86, left this earthly realm to be with the Lord on February 21, 2025, in Wamego, Kansas. Her life was a radiant testament to faith, service, and love. 

 Ila was born on October 4, 1938, in Chadron, Nebraska, to parents Waldo Kemery and Irene Luella. On June 24, 1956, Ila married Pastor Dean L. Bartels, and she served the Lord as a pastor’s wife, sharing the Gospel in heartfelt ways. They traveled as an evangelist family for 20 years, spreading God's love and grace wherever they went. 

 Ila was a proud homemaker who cherished her role in nurturing those around her. She also shared her talents with the community, working as a baker at the Friendship House, Wamego, where she worked for many years. She found joy in sewing, painting scenic scenes, crafting, and cultivating her beautiful flower garden.  

 Ila was blessed with a vibrant family who carry on her legacy of faith and love. She is survived by her daughters Lavetta Pope of Arlington, Texas, Cathleen Stotts (Danny) of Wamego, and Christine Glaeser (John) of Briggs, Texas; sons Jim Bartels (Jeanette) of Pevely, Missouri, John Bartels (Dawn) of East Lynne, Missouri, and Richard Bartels of Riley, Kansas. In addition to her children, Ila was loved by her 44 grandchildren, 64 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Joyce Neeland, and her brother-in-law, Raymond Scott. 

 Ila joins her parents, husband, and siblings, Wallace and Helen, in eternal peace with the Lord. 

 A funeral service to celebrate Ila's life will be held on February 26, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego. The family will greet friends at 12:30 p.m. before the service. Burial will follow at Louisville Cemetery.  

 Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Please make checks payable to the “St. Jude Children's Research Hospital,” and those may be sent to Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P.O. Box 48, Wamego, KS, 66547. Online condolences may be made at www.campanellastewart.com.