Mary Bartingale, 88, of Eau Claire, died Sunday, December 18, 2011, at Dove Healthcare West. Mary was born in Indianapolis, IN, on September 13, 1923, to Merrill and Mildred (Bennett) Fortney. Mary graduated from North Fulton High School in Atlanta, GA, with the Class of 1941. She then attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, graduating in 1945, with a degree in Home Economics. Mary married Donald Bartingale on October 17, 1948, in Dayton, OH. They lived in Eau Claire, where she was a long-time member of First Congregational United Church of Christ and a member of PEO Chapter BE. Mary enjoyed needlepoint, knitting and playing bridge. Most of all, she was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, who enjoyed making a loving home and caring for her family. Mary is survived by her two sons, Robert (Joan) of Green Bay, WI and James of White Bear Lake, MN; three grandchildren, Ryan, Paul and Laura Bartingale; a brother, James (Susanne) Fortney of Kingsport, TN, a sister, Suzanne (Robert) Kessler of Gahanna, OH; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, in 1998. Funeral Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, December 22, 2011, at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 310 Broadway St. in Eau Claire, with the Rev. Dr. Mark X. Pirazzini officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery in Eau Claire. Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services is serving her family. Memorials are preferred to First Congregational United Church of Christ or to the donor's choice. The family would like to extend sincere gratitude to all the caregivers at Dove Healthcare West.

Service Information