Mary B. Bartee began her life with Jesus on January 1, 2019 in a transition to her eternal life. Mary was born Mary Belle Wright on August 6, 1926 in Oklahoma City, OK to Oliver and Mary Wright. The family moved to Arizona in 1937, she attended Phoenix Union and Glendale Union High Schools. She earned a Vocational Teaching Certificate from Northern Arizona University.
Mary married the love of her life, Kenneth Bartee in 1942. Together they had 5 children Barbara (Bill) Hardy, Kenneth (Carlene) Bartee II, Mary Lynn (Norman) Stuckman, Cynthia and Maxeen (Glenn) Tinnin. She is also survived by 7 Grandchildren, 4 Great Grandchildren and 2 Great-Great Grandchildren. She is preceded in passing by her sisters Maxeen Harris Smith, Letha (Pat) Hubbard, and survived by her youngest sister, Barbara Louise Riddering of San Bernandino, CA. She has numerous nieces and nephews and friends she cared very much for.
Mary taught Cosmetology at Phoenix Vocational School at Phoenix Union High School from 1960 to 1974. She purchased Northwest Beauty College in 1974 and the American Trichology Institute was born. She purchased Flagstaff Beauty College in 1976. She retired from the schools in 1980 at which time her daughters continued her legacy.
Mary was Charter President of the Scottsdale Chapter, American Business Women’s Association, a member of the National Education Association, Arizona Education Association, American Vocational Association, Arizona State Vocational Association, National and Arizona Cosmetology Associations. She was selected as a Lifetime Member of Vocational Club of America (VICA). She was a founding member of the Arizona Racing Association Auxiliary. She served as President of Arizona Private Schools Association and Arizona Cosmetology Association.
A celebration of Mary and her life well lived will be held Sunday January 20, 2019 at 10 AM at Greenwood Memory Lawn, Serenity Chapel, 2300 West Van Buren Phoenix, AZ. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting a donation in Mary’s name to Hospice of the Valley 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014.
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