Barbara Bartos

Barb Bartos, 69, of Midland, was born into eternal life on Monday, March 31, 2008, while vacationing in sunny Las Vegas, Nev., surrounded by her loving husband Don, and son, Doug. For the past four months she struggled with severe muscle pain and was recently diagnosed with Polymyalgia Rheumatica. With debilitating pain throughout the night, followed by some relief during the day, Don was there for her, around the clock, lovingly, comforting her, tending to her needs, every second of her struggle. She endured with much courage and perseverance. She passed peacefully, shortly after a massive stroke on Monday, after enjoying a cup of coffee and conversation with Don and Doug, watching a beautiful sunrise over the majestic mountains in Las Vegas. Barb was a beloved and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend, and daughter. She was born on Oct. 31, 1938, in Midland, daughter of the late Valentine Cabala and Helen (Sepos) Stanford. The former Barbara Cabala married Don Bartos on July 9, 1960, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Midland. The joy of her life was her husband, five children, and 12 grandchildren. With a passion for singing she took every opportunity to uplift those in mourning at funerals, celebrating with families at weddings, and rejoicing with the church choir at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church in Surprise, Ariz., showcasing her angelic voice. Her lifelong desire was to create an album of her music. She recorded not one, but four albums, "Lord of the Dance", "Happy Birthday Jesus", "Come and Journey With Me" and "Angel Voices". All are forever grateful to have this loving memory. She enjoyed playing cards with her dear card-club friends for almost 44 years. She loved beautiful flowers, and enjoyed tending to them all spring, summer and fall. She was so apparently dedicated to the Lord, and was very active in the church, both in Midland, and in Arizona, leading and attending prayer groups and participating in both choirs. Barb was a very caring and helping person to many family and friends. She was a Yellow Lady volunteer at the Midland Hospital on the cancer floor for 26 dedicated years. She enjoyed sharing and enjoying lunch with her volunteer friends in the hospital cafeteria. Barb is survived by her loving husband Don; her children, their spouses, and grandchildren, Mary Jenkins (Dave Jenkins, Jason and Jenny) of Midland, Mike Bartos (Paula Bartos, Michele, Andria, Brendyn, Reese and Tanner) of Midland, Douglas Bartos (Tracy Bartos, Bailey and Abigail) of Oxford, Paula Monks (Wayne Monks, Holly, Sara, and Christopher),of St. Louis, Mo., and Cheryl Bartos, of Novi. She is survived by brothers-in-law, Leo "Lefty" Bartos and Bernard "Bernie" Bartos of Midland; sisters-in-law, Florence Bartos of Midland, Agnes (Jim) Garrett of Houston, Texas, Margaret (Chuck) Gatza of Bay City, Lucille Bartos of Midland, Katherine (Doug) Cloutier of Sterling Heights and Janet (Mark) Nisbett of Ada; and by many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Barb was predeceased by one sister, Shirley Naples; two brothers, Duane and Joe Cabala; and by her stepmother Delores Cabala. A christian vigil service, A Celebration of Barb's Life, will take place at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday evening, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 3109 Swede Ave., Midland. Barb's family will receive friends at the church from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. A Memorial Mass for Barb will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday morning, April 9, 2008, from Blessed Sacrament Church with Fr. Peter J. Gaspeny officiating. The family would like to thank the many family and friends that shared laughter, love, and sorrow with Barb throughout her joyous lifetime. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Toni & Trish House (Care for the Terminally Ill), 4699 S. Eleven Mile, Fisherville, MI, 48611, or Pinecrest Farms, 413 N. Homer Rd., Midland, MI 48640. Arrangements for Barb have been entrusted to the care of the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 W. Wheeler St., Midland. If you are unable to visit with the family in person, you may share your condolences online through www.waresmithwoolever.com