Llewellyn Kiene Bartholow, 91, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, died on October 25, 2025, hovered over by her immediate family. She leaves to keep her memory alive, three children, Peter, Elizabeth (Libby), and Matthew; along with four granddaughters; four great-grandsons; and two great-granddaughters. She loved them all (but one).
Born January 11, 1934, in Concordia, Kansas, to Tom L. Kiene and Lorette Letourneau. Llewellyn graduated from the University of Kansas in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority at Kansas University.
Her early nursing career took her to New York and Chicago, where she worked in pediatrics. It was in Chicago that she met Roger D. Bartholow of Huron, South Dakota. They were married in Indianapolis in August 1961. She later left nursing to raise their three children. In 1980, she returned to nursing at Parkview Randallia, proudly caring for what she called “the well babies” in the nursery.
A longtime member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Fort Wayne, she was active in the Episcopal Church Women (ECW), serving meals and attending to the behind-the-scenes needs of the parish. She also served on the board of the American Cancer Society, and for many years volunteered with Homebound Meals through a partnership with St. Joe Hospital.
Reading was both a passion and a companion throughout her life, and she loved sharing this interest with her friends and family. In all aspects, her life was one of intellect, devotion, and quiet strength. Our matriarch will be greatly missed.
Services will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 611 West Berry Street, Fort Wayne, on Thursday, November 13, 2025, with morning reception at 9:00 a.m. and the funeral service at 10:00 a.m.
Memorial donations may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, Riley Hospital for Children, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Shriners Hospitals for Children. Please visit www.klaehnfahlmelton to leave condolences.
