Nov.
2, 1936 - Dec. 11, 2008SOUTH BEND - Nancy Jo Bartels, 72, of South Bend, died at 11:40 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008, in Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. The daughter of Martin and Jane (Cary) Tarnow, the founders of Martin's Supermarkets, Mrs. Bartels was born on November 2, 1936, in South Bend, and was a lifetime resident. She had a lifelong commitment and interest in the grocery business. Through her husband Bob, chairman, and son Rob, president and CEO, she was a supportive participant in the three generations of growth and development of the family business. On February 1, 1964, in South Bend, as Nancy Jo Tarnow, she married Robert E. Bartels, who survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Amy Jo (Jim) Stoll of Wilmette, IL; a son, Rob (Ann) Bartels of South Bend; seven grandchildren, Bobby, Andy and Billy Bartels, and James, Samantha, Emma and Nancy Jo Stoll; and one sister, Suellen Leslie of Kitty Hawk, NC. Nancy Jo took her own path in life and shared it with her family and friends. She was unpretentious and met folks where they were and as she was. She could relate as comfortably and easily with a stranger in line, a lost child, or "big deals" in the world. She was a direct and opinionated lady with a conspiratorial twinkle in her eye and a ready sense of humor. Many of her friendships lasted a lifetime, sometimes generations: Once you were Nancy's friend you were always her friend, even after long separations. Her artist's heart, sensitivities, and excitement for life's experiences carried her into many adventures. She was a painter and a sculptor. She arranged flowers, welded, and cast art. Each of her pieces was distinctive and authentic. She appreciated other's art as well, especially the beauty of fast and spirited horses. Her keen intuition and perception were important in her relationships. She was genuine though not particularly sentimental. She connected with people and made a difference. Her insights and loyalty were enormously helpful to her students, friends and family. Her children's friends were her friends as well. Nancy had a deep appreciation for nature. She welcomed the heat of the summer, winter's deep snow, a fire on a fall's crisp day, and spring freshness. She enjoyed the biggest thunderstorms, the full moon on a deep night's lake, and the kind of blizzard where you can feel the snow falling. The activity of God's green earth was a source of comfort and interest. Nancy watched the wild world with perpetual curiosity. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16th, in the First Presbyterian Church, 333 W. Colfax Ave., with Rev. James Miller of Sunnyside Presbyterian Church and Dr. Robert Agnew officiating. Graveside services and burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15th, in the Welsheimer Family Funeral Home, 521 N. William St. Memorial contributions may be made to Alcohol Addiction Resource Center, 818 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, IN 46617; to the Secret Sisters Society, 4215 Edison Lakes Pkwy., Suite 300, Mishawaka, IN 46545; or to the Nature Conservancy, Indiana Field Office, 1505 N. Delaware St., Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 46202. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at welshfh@yahoo.com.