Jo Bartels

Jo Bartels, of Plymouth, passed away on October 20, at home surrounded by family after her battle with cancer. She was born in Detroit on November 11, 1942 to Bessie (Clements) and Rancie Lee Washam. Jo is survived by her beloved husband of 51 years, Frank Bartels, her loving sons Walter (Christine) Bartels, and Matthew (Christine) Bartels, her precious grandchildren Amelia, Libby, Mack, Charlie, Elise, and Emmerson, her dear siblings Mary Smith, and Richard Washam and many nieces and nephews. Jo was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters Barbara Kopeck and Betty Foster.

Jo was a very kind woman, she was always seen smiling and was very proud of her children and grandchildren. Jo and Frank did everything together throughout their 51 years of marriage, they were square dancers, motorcyclists, and raced Jeeps in their 4-wheel drive club. She loved to travel, camp, share stories, golf, play cards and watch her grandkids dance and play hockey and lacrosse. In their retirement, Jo and Frank took their trailer on a cross-country camping trip visiting the National Parks. Their winters were spent in Florida and Georgia, enjoying the beach and playing in the ocean. She also loved to read and sew. She would make blankets, bags, and Halloween costumes for her family. Jo was deeply loved by many and will be greatly missed.

There will be a Memorial Gathering Sunday, October 23, from 4-7pm at the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 S. Main, Plymouth, 48170. The Memorial Service will be Monday, October 24, at 11am at the funeral home. Family and friends may begin visiting at 10am. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in memory of Jo to Angela Hospice.