Ruth Avonelle (Schell) BARTLETT

BARTLETT, SCHELL, BROWN, MENTZER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 10/24/2007 at 21:52:50

October 11, 2007
Fort Dodge Messenger

Ruth Avonelle (Schell) Bartlett, 74, of Fort Dodge, Iowa died at her home on October 8, 2007, from complications resulting from metastatic breast cancer. Ruth was born to Harry and Nina Schell on September 13, 1933 in Excelsior, Wisconsin. In addition to her hometown of Excelsior, she also resided in Baraboo and then graduated from high school in Blue River, Wisconsin. She attended college in Madison until her marriage to Lyle Howard Bartlett in 1952. They lived in Minneapolis until Lyle graduated from Minnesota Bible Seminary and then they returned to Wisconsin for his ministry. Pastorates in Wisconsin were Excelsior, West Lima, and Billings Creek and they later moved their family to Iowa to minister in Goldfield and then Fort Dodge, Iowa. Ruth used her talents to serve the Lord by teaching Sunday school and playing piano for the children and adult church services. She was currently a member of the New Testament Church of Christ in Webster City, Iowa. In 1969, Ruth graduated from Iowa Central Community College with her Associate Degree in Nursing. She worked in the Fort Dodge area as a Registered Nurse for the Webster County Home Psychiatric Unit, Rockwell City Women’s Reformatory, and Friendship Haven. In 1988, Ruth completed the Truck Driver Training Program at ICCC to enable her to drive a tractor-trailer truck with her husband Lyle. She was employed as a company driver and then Owner-Operator for Smithway Motor Xpress, driving for 8 years accident-free alongside her husband. In 1989 she became President of her parents’ business, Harry R. Schell Sawmill Sales and Supply, Inc. located in Blue River, Wisconsin, which she operated until the time of her death. Ruth is survived by her son, Lyle H. Bartlett Jr., of Lehigh, IA; her daughter, Rebecca A. Brown, Otho, IA; four grandchildren, Tyler and Renita Brown, of Otho, IA; Quint Bartlett, of Lehigh, IA; Stacey Mentzer, of Gowrie, IA; and two great-grandchildren, Karrigan and Jillian Mentzer of Gowrie, IA. Preceding her in death were her parents, Harry and Nina Schell, daughter in-law, Linda Bartlett; and her loving husband, Lyle. Friends will remember Ruth for her generosity and compassion as well as her love for animals, literature and music. Her family is proud of her devotion and excellent nursing care that she provided to her husband Lyle while he remained in their home during his 13 year struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease. A private farewell service was held at her time of death. Ruth’s family wishes to thank those who have prayed and now weep with us (Romans 12:15). Special thanks to Hospice, caregivers, friends, and relatives for your love, compassion, and embraces to Ruth and her family during her illness. Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services has been entrusted with the arrangements. Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.