Madge Eargle Bartsch

On the third of March 2022, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and child of God, Madge Eargle Bartsch, 94, received her soul’s desire in meeting her Heavenly Father and being reunited with her loved ones who went home before her. Born May 12, 1927 in Little Mountain, SC, Madge was the daughter of the late Herbert B. “Hub” Eargle and Mary Fulmer Eargle. She spent her childhood growing up at the “Old Place” with her cherished siblings, Roberta, Irma “Crick,” and Blanton “Bub.” She married her soul mate, Arthur Emil Bartsch on June 14, 1951.Their union lasted 57 years until Art was called home on June 22, 2008. Madge was employed at Insurance Services Office (formerly SC Rating Bureau) the majority of her professional career. She was also a long-time member of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Columbia, SC where she served her Lord and Saviour faithfully as a Sunday school teacher, secretary, member of the Evangelical Committee and Altar Guild, and church council. Her most favored service to God was visiting shut-ins, those in nursing homes, and spending quality time sharing God’s love and light with all those she crossed paths with. Our mother was a true Proverbs 31 woman. Her love was unfailing and ever-present. Her greatest gift to her children and grandchildren was being a Godly parent who faithfully took her family to church, shared God’s word, and instilled true faith in Jesus Christ.

She is survived by her daughter, Amy Koon (David) of Irmo, SC; son, Mark Bartsch of Chapin, SC; grandson, Adam Leech (Tonni Murrel-Leech) of Chapin, SC; granddaughter, Mary Rebecca Leech-Standridge of Columbia, SC, and her great-grandchildren, Zachary, Zoey Jane, Alexander (“Chipmonk”), and Emma Grace Standridge of Columbia, SC. In addition to her loving husband, Madge was predeceased by her infant son, Wayne Eargle Bartsch; daughter-in-law, Robin Collingwood Bartsch; siblings, Roberta Wise (Gene) of Little Mountain, SC, Irma Edwards (Duane) of Chapin, SC, and Blanton Eargle (Beryl) of Winter Park, FL.

Visitation will be held at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Chapin Chapel on Sunday, March 6 from 4:00 -6:00 pm. Graveside services will be held at the St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church Cemetery (421 St. Andrews Rd., Columbia, SC) on Monday, March 7 at 10:00 am conducted by Pastor John Trump.

We share Momma’s request of John 13:34 “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” The family would also like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Generations for the loving care they have provided our mother over the last years.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the following: St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 1416 Broad River Rd., Columbia, SC 29210 or to Generations of Chapin, 431 East Boundary St., Chapin, SC 29036.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.caughmanchapin.com for the Bartsch family.