Barbara Jane Bartels passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, August 10, 2026, surrounded by the love and memories of her family.

Barbara was born on May 31, 1942, in Hickman, Kentucky, the second of five children born to James and Hortense Fordyce. She married her beloved husband, Kent Bartels, on February 14, 1959, in St. Louis, Missouri. Together, they shared 67 years of marriage, raised four children, and traveled throughout the country as Kent’s engineering career took their family to different destinations.

Barbara earned a Bachelor of Science in education and found great joy in educating others. She worked as a substitute teacher in various schools, full-time social studies and English teacher at a parochial school and continued her career teaching GED classes. She particularly enjoyed teaching GED courses, and she cherished the opportunity to help others learn and grow.

Outside of teaching, Barbara enjoyed a variety of hobbies and interests. She loved painting, traveling with her family, reading, writing poetry, playing tennis and racquetball, and tending to the flowers in her garden.

Above all, Barbara was a devoted and loving mother. She is survived by her husband, Kent Bartels; her four children, Sherri Oothout, Terri Myers, Chuck Bartels, and Andy Bartels; her brothers, Mike Fordyce and his wife, Anne, and Dan Fordyce and his wife, Steph; her sister-in-law, Kathy Thompson; her son-in-law, Bill Oothout; her daughters-in-law, Anne Bartels and Kara Bartels; her grandchildren, Michele Murphy, Becky Keeley and her husband, Jake Keeley, Tanner Myers, Rae Myers, Josh Bartels, Sam Bartels, and Charlie Bartels; as well as numerous great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Hortense Fordyce; her sister, Caroline Walton, and Caroline’s husband, Larry Walton; her sister, Beth Shelton, and her son in law, Blaine Myers.

Barbara will be remembered for her loving heart, devotion to her family, love of learning, and appreciation for the simple joys of life. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. at Speaks Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO 64055.