Honoring the Memory
of Those
We Love

October 21, 1920 - February 17, 2019

On February 17, 2019, Virginia Bartsch went home to be with the Lord at the age of 98. Beloved wife of the late Albert Bartsch and sister of the late Raymond McKelvey, she is survived by daughters Rhonda Ballou (Don) of Delmar, New York and Cynthia Kniebes (Randy) of Brighton, Michigan; grandchildren Jeffrey Ballou (Lana) of Boston, Lisa Coetzee (Nick) of Boston, and Emily Gafford (Scott) of Dexter, Michigan; great-grandchildren Jaedon Ballou, Andrew Gafford, Samuel Gafford, and Cory Coetzee. Virginia loved being a homemaker, and all of her family and friends enjoyed the results of her cooking, especially her pastries. Her creativity came through in many ways: sewing, including formal gowns for her daughters, many types of ceramics -- plaques, figurines, and bowls, and home decorating -- dried flowers and prints. In addition, she served as a volunteer in her church, most notably as a planner and leader of numerous women's Bible studies. She and her late husband began the Ruthfred Lutheran Scholarship Fund in honor of their 50th wedding anniversary in 1992. At her former church, Zion-Brentwood, she taught Sunday School for many years. She also volunteered at St. Clair Hospital, both in the coffee shop and in visiting patients. A private interment service is being planned for the family. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be sent to Ruthfred Lutheran Church or Sunshine Acres Children's Home (www.sunshineacres.org). Arrangements made by John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227.