Eleanor R Bartz

Eleanor R. Bartz “Mrs. B”

Eleanor R. Bartz  “Mrs. B” Age 99 of Shelby, IN. passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at Chicagoland Christian Village. She was born and raised in Shelby, IN and is survived by her 2 sons; Stephen (Gwen) Bartz of Magnolia, TX and Dr. Mark (Rose) Bartz of Greenwood, SC; 10 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; 13 great great grandchildren; brother, Leon “Jigger” (Juanita) Sirois of Williamsburg, VA; Preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Waldo “Babe”; 2 daughters, Karen Klein and Kathy Jackson; parents, Earl “Frenchie” and Fern Sirois;  and 2 siblings, Margaret Hayden and Robert Sirois.

Eleanor graduated as Valedictorian LHS Class of 1939 and went on to attend IU. She had a passion for reading that began when she was 4 years old and her grandmother would read to her every day. Eleanor was well known in Shelby for her daffodils, gardening and her snickerdoodles; which she distributed regularly. As a lifelong Cubs fan she was thrilled to see them win the World Series. She never missed an opportunity to watch the Cubs and Bears games. She enjoyed the mental challenges of solving crossword puzzles which she pursued until her passing! Mrs. B went on to start the Shelby Library and was the librarian for 15 years; First Lady Laura Bush sent Eleanor a letter thanking her for her service as Librarian which became one of her prized recognitions. Her lifelong passion was to be a role model mother, mentor of young women and teaching kids to read. At 92, she was still reading to daycare children at Chicagoland Christian Village. She was also a Sunday school teacher for many years at Trinity Lutheran Church of Lowell.

Eleanor’s wishes were to be cremated. Due to the pandemic, the family will hold a Memorial Service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Shelby Library in her honor.

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