Belle Bartel
courtesy photo
Belle Bartel
RONAN — Belle Bartel passed away on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013, at her home in Ronan, with her family by her side, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born Marcella Theodora Ernste, on Dec. 10, 1930, in Faribault, Minn. to John and Marie (Bongers) Ernste, she was the fifth of ten children.
Growing up in rural Minnesota, she met the love of her life, Alden Bartel, who was her brother Alex’s best friend. They were married on June 30, 1949.
Their 54-year adventure began on their honeymoon by moving to western Washington. They lived there sixteen years and were blessed with eight children.
In 1965, they moved the family to Ronan, continuing their dream of raising cattle and kids.
In 1975, they purchased the local Coast-to-Coast Hardware store and it later became Ace Hardware. They ran the store until they sold it to their son Dan and his wife Danielle and retired.
They started traveling, going to places such as Canada, Arizona, Hawaii, Holland and a special trip to Branson.
Mom was a dedicated wife, mother, gramma and great-gramma. She was very devoted to her Catholic faith and involved in Parish activities, be it Alter Society, Harvest dinners, singing in the choir and especially the children’s catechism. She was also a very avid Jeopardy and crossword puzzle fan.
Her beloved husband Alden; infant son David; and great granddaughter Kyndra Layne; her parents; two sisters and four brothers precede her in death.
She is survived by her seven children: Diane Corbin of Bozeman, Tom and Val Bartel, John and Wendy Bartel, Bill and Lana Bartel, all of Ronan and Dan and Danielle Bartel of Lewistown, Carolyn Benson of Olympia, Wash. and Mary and Randy Paulson of Kennewick Wash. She is also survived by grandchildren: Jason (Sierra), Kirk, Karlissa (Tracy), Kari (Jarred), Toby (Sarah), Brendy (Jason), Wade (Chanel), Jamie (Justin), Braumlee (Josh), Anna (Donald), Brock (Jenny), Breanne (Zac), Bridget (Easton), Michael, Michelle (Cameron), Amanda (Jonathan), David, Dylan (Megan), Derek, Cassi (Jon), Ryan (Danielle), Jesse (Nicole), Rebecca (Tyson); 51 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; her brothers Charles and Sue Ernste, John and Muggs Ernste, Stan and Karen Ernste; four sister-in-laws Carol, Dorothy, Marie, and Betty Ernste of Minn.; and many nieces; nephews and two very special cousins, Clayton and Gail White of Hot Springs.
The family would like to thank Home Options of Ronan for all their kind care.
Services have been held.
