Iris Elaine (Meacham) Bartels

Iris Elaine (Meacham) Bartels passed away peacefully at AccentCare Hospice in Cumming, Georgia, on February 1, 2025. With her at the time of her passing were her daughter, son-in-law, and her nurse, Miss Pat.

Iris was born July 6th, 1934 in Plainwell Michigan to Clarence and Beatrice (Osborn). She was raised in Plainwell and graduated from Plainwell High School in June 1952. On June 28, 1958, she married Donald Bartels of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Together, they shared 50 years of marriage and were blessed with three children: Timothy Mark (Tamy Nogel), Wendy Hope Karn (Gary), and Matthew John (Hali).  

A devoted homemaker, Iris found joy in reading and was deeply committed to her church. She was a lover of animals (especially her grand dogs), game shows, seek and finds and the masked singer.  She was a writer of every detail in her life.  If it happened she would write it down with every detail so she wouldn't forget. In her later years, she became a steadfast protector of her fellow assisted living residents, always looking out for their well-being.

Iris was preceded in death by her loving husband of 50 years, Donald, Both parents, grandparents, brother (Duane), sister (Charlene), Sister & brother-in-law (Marie and Lawrence Middlestadt), Sister (Judy) Niece Caroline Prolo, Nephew Denny Shook, Nephew Lawrence Middlestadt, jr., Nephew Darrell Middlestadt.

Iris is survived by her children, 16 Grandchildren, 16 great Grandchildren, brother-in-law (Daniel Harrington), many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and cousins. Her cremains will be placed in a dual urn with her beloved husband, Donald, and they will be laid to rest together at Hillside Cemetery in Plainwell, Michigan, on June 14, 2025.  There will be a gathering at Tim and Tamy's farm in Plainwell afterwards to celebrate her life with family and friends. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.

To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com. Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.