Catherine Marie Barthel

Catherine “Cathy” Barthel, 94, passed from this earth, into the arms of the Lord on July 8, 2014. Catherine was born on April 22, 1922 to Frank Susa and Gertrude Rising Susa. She was born at home on her parents homestead, near Golva, North Dakota. After graduating from Golva High School, Catherine attended Dickinson State Teachers College at Dickinson, N.D. After earning her Teaching Certificate, she taught school at Mandan, N.D. During the WWII, Catherine taught all eight grades in a one-room country school near Golva, N.D.

Catherine married her sweetheart, Sylvester Barthel, after his return from service in WWII. He told her “Marry me and you will never have to work.” She believed him. They were married on July 25, 1945 at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Golva, N.D. They farmed on Sylvester’s parents’ homestead until 1963, when they moved with seven children to Yakima, WA. (How could you not work with a clan like that to raise?!)

Catherine worked at St. Elizabeth Hospital as a nurse’s aid and in fruit warehouses in and around Yakima. She was active in her Church, St. Paul’s Cathedral, including St. Paul’s Prayer line, delivering communion to nursing homes, and bringing friends to senior luncheons. She was an active member of Catholic Daughters of the Americas and Young Ladies Institute. She was also a member of the Tri Cities Chapter of Ex-POW and VFW Post 379 Auxiliary. She loved praying, church activities, family gatherings, and going out to eat.

Catherine was always helping those in need; if not through donations of some kind, then with prayers. She had a great devotion to Jesus and would say three rosaries a day. She loved to have family, friends, and priests come to her home for meals. She enjoyed gardening and baking. Her famous breads, cinnamon rolls, and cookies were always shared with others. Often, recipients were the Bishop and Priests of the Yakima Diocese. “Baking her way into Heaven”

Catherine is survived by her children and their spouses: Lenard Barthel, Martha Sondgeroth (Purdy Conrad), Loretta Erskine, and Norbert (Debbie) Barthel, all of Yakima, and Anna Marie (Jim) Newman of Ellensburg.

Grandchildren David (Denise) Barthel, Annette Washington, Kim (Donnie) McLoud, Amber (Tim) Sikes, Kelly (Adam) Hall, Holly (Max) Herald, Amanda Erskine, Bobbie Erskine III, Scott (Sheila) Barthel, Tim Barthel.

Great grandchildren Zack (Kirsten) Washington, Josh (Amanda) Washington, Jordan and London Lewis, Scott St. John, Cameron (Sarah) Hardy, Mathew (Savannah) Hardy, Cody, Jesse and Ruby Hall, Mason and Hailey Herald, Kylee, Colton and Mason Barthel.

Great great grandchildren: Jaiden, Jorden and Jaxson Washington, Alexis Washington, Kailani Lewis, Taylor, Jolie, Jax, Savanna and Carson Hardy.

Surviving siblings and their spouses are: Clara Michels Beach, ND, Francis (Paul) Zachmann, Baker, MT, Rudy Susa, Longmont, CO., Marie (Don) Nistler, Golva, N.D. and Theresa Sartz, Greeley CO. Also survived by sister in law Violet Barthel, Beach, ND and brother in law Kirk Green, Ashland MT.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Sylvester, daughter Rita (Gilbert, Jr) Good, son Michael Barthel, daughter in law Norma Barthel, grandchildren; Mike, Jonathan and Bryan Barthel. Siblings and spouses; Martin (Gertrude) Susa, John (Gertrude) Susa, Edward (Elizabeth) Susa, Ben (Marlys) Susa, sister Dorothy Green; sister in law Nelda Susa and brother in law Don Sartz.

Many will miss her and her famous saying, “God Bless and have fun!” Mom, we will all miss you, for “YOU ARE SPECIAL!”

The family would like to thank the staff at Summitview Health Care Center for the loving care that she received over the past weeks. You are all greatly appreciated.

Visitation will be held at Langevin-Mussetter Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 15, 2014, from 4 to 8 pm. with a Rosary beginning at 6 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at St. Paul’s Cathedral at 10 am. with services concluding at Terrace Heights Memorial Park.

To share a memory of Catherine please visit, www.lmfuneralhome.com.