Rowena Elaine Bartels (Balkey), 90, passed away unexpectedly on April 25, 2020. Rowena was born on March 23, 1930 in Kansas City, Missouri to Ora “Clyde” Balkey and Sally Opal Balkey (Poteet). She graduated from North Kansas City High School in 1948. Rowena married Felton Maurice “Bart” Bartels on June 12, 1954. Rowena worked for BF Goodrich as a comptometer operator for approximately 10 years. She also did some modeling for The Three Sisters Dress Shop which was located in North Kansas City, Missouri. The couple was blessed with two daughters, Roberta Elaine (1955) and Rebecca Lynn (1956). Her children remember her as being dedicated to her family, especially her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was kind, generous, spunky and would certainly speak her mind. She enjoyed sewing, tole painting, genealogy, going to the farm with her husband and loved to travel. She was also an aggressive UNO player. She was a member of the Avondale United Methodist Church, a past Assistant Campfire Leader, PTA member and member of the Claycomo Saddle Club. She loved sports and was a big fan of the PBR.
Rowena is preceded in death by her parents, Ora “Clyde” Balkey, Sally Opal Balkey (Poteet) and her brother, Ronald James “Jim” Balkey.
Rowena is survived by her husband, Felton Maurice “Bart” Bartels; daughters, Roberta Elaine Freeman (Ray) and Rebecca Lynn Bartels; grandchildren, Ray Freeman, Jr., Isaac Davis, Rachel Weimer (Jacob) and Sarah O’Neil; great-grandchildren, Rayden Freeman, Elias “Eli” Weimer and Coen Weimer; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.
The family would like to thank North Kansas City Hospital and the Cardiology Department for their outstanding care and dedication.
A visitation is planned for August 7 starting at 1 pm with a memorial service to follow at 2pm.
