Ethel Sue Bartlett

Ethel Brecheisen Bartlett, age 74, was promoted to Heaven January 3, 2025, after winning a sudden and brave battle against cancer. Living her life in loving service to others, she was served at last by family and friends whom she taught by her example. Born April 8, 1950, in Binghamton, New York, to traveling music evangelists, Loren and Augusta Brecheisen, Ethel and her brother Jerry ministered with them in revivals, camp meetings, and conferences across America.

She was a gifted musician who served the Lord in her local church and with her brother and sister-in-law in a music ministry. Member of Encounter Church in Jackson, MI, Ethel was a beloved director of its youth and college and career ministries, served with her late husband, Mark, on the church’s worship team, and later as worship leaders in Heart O’ the Lakes Church of Jackson, MI. Mark and Ethel were active in the Emmaus Walk and also established a worship service at Swains Lake Campground.

Attending Owosso College, graduating from Spring Arbor University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, and later earning a master’s degree in music education from Eastern Michigan University, she taught in Jackson, Michigan’s Parnall Elementary School for 30 years.

Ethel was preceded in death by her husband Mark; parents Loren and Augusta Brecheisen; and father-in-law, Harry Bartlett. Survivors include her brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Carol Brecheisen of Byron Center, MI; mother-in-law, Chris Bartlett of Jackson, MI; nieces Mandi (Troy) Cundiff of Charlottesville, VA, Arianna (Geoff) Eckart of Grand Rapids, MI; grand-nephew, Kyle Cundiff; grand-nieces Olivia (Kyle) Williamson, Lauren (Matt) VanNess, and Sophia Eckart. She is also survived by a host of adoring friends, cousins, co-workers, youth ministry alumni, and church members. Her family expresses heartfelt thanks to the Corewell Health Hospice team, Encounter Church, Daybreak Church, and the beloved circle of friends who supported her during her brief illness.

A celebration of life will be held 12 p.m. Saturday, March 15, 2025 at Encounter Church, 620 Robinson Rd., Jackson, Michigan 49203, with visitation from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. prior to service. Luncheon to follow service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Never The Same, a national youth prayer and camp ministry dear to Ethel’s heart, that is continuing the legacy of revival, camp meetings, and conferences to a new generation. Online gifts may be made at www.neverthesame.org. Checks may be mailed to Never The Same, PO Box 88254, Kentwood, MI 49518. Please note in memory of Ethel Bartlett. Ethel's family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresbyron.com in their guestbook online.