Bobbie M. Bartell

Bobbie M. Bartell, 89, of Mishawaka, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home the morning of Monday, June 20 surrounded by family. 

Bobbie, one of eight Wilbanks children, was born on April 15, 1933, in Dyersburg, TN, to Marshall Cleatus and Bessie (Runions) Wilbanks. She was raised in the small town of Miston, TN by her Mammy, Ida Runions and grandfather, Jeff Runions. 

Her brothers and sisters Hazel Rumley, Mildred Bunnell, Norma Jordan, Vivian Brooks, Cleatus Wilbanks, Bill Wilbanks, and Dorothy Cavin, all preceded her in death. 

She met the love of her life in South Bend, IN and was married on November 18, 1950, to Bernie Bartell who preceded her in death. Along their 58 years of marriage, they welcomed three sons, Pat (Keller) Bartell of Gulfport, FL, Terry Bartell of Crawfordsville, IN (preceded in death), Mike Bartell of South Bend, IN; and three daughters, Sheila Bartell of South Bend, IN, Sheri (Mike) Lebiedzinski of Mishawaka, IN, and Lori (James) McBride of South Bend, IN. 

She is survived by 15 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren with one coming soon, lifelong friends and countless others that knew her as “Mom”.  Our mom enjoyed spending time with her family, crossword puzzles, playing cards and dice, and watching Two and a Half Men with her dog, Lucky, snuggled in her lap and a great friend at her side, Deb McBride. Our family is forever grateful to Deb for the friendship, support, and care that she showed Bobbie over the years.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the VFW Post #360 at 1307 E Jefferson Blvd, Mishawaka, IN 46545 on Saturday, June 25 from 2:00pm - 6:00pm. Palmer Funeral Home – Guisinger Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Due to Bobbie’s love of all animals, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to South Bend Lost & Found Pets through Facebook or The Pet Refuge, ABC Clinic and Pet Refuge at 4525 South Burnett Drive, South Bend, IN 46614. 

Online condolences can be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.