Earlene L Bartko

Together Again Earlene L. (Kirby) Bartko, age 82 of Massillon, Ohio, passed away at her home on January 13, 2021. She was born on February 5, 1938 to Earl and Mary Kirby. Earlene and Frank married in 1977 and he was the love of her life until his passing in 1989. They enjoyed bowling, playing cards, and spending time with their friends and family. Earlene was strong willed, which in part led to her long courageous fight with COPD. She was the matriarch of the family and would do anything she could to help others. If you were looking for a conversation starter, you could always talk about Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy as she watched them faithfully. After retiring from Ansell Perry, she extended her camping season and would spend her Spring/Summer and into the Fall camping at Tappan Lake. She wanted to have 30 years of camping until her health declined a year ago. Many of her camping neighbors knew her as the “Mayor.” The family would like to extend a special thanks to her Tappan family for always checking on her when she was at her happy place, “the lake.” The family would also like to thank Timken Mercy Hospice for their loving care over the past year; she truly appreciated the help and cherished the friendships she made with the staff. Earlene is survived by her 3 daughters and 3 stepchildren. Daughters: Cynthia Slentz, Linda (Dan) Thomas, and Brenda (Tom Martin) Duncan, stepchildren: Frank (Sue) Bartko, Cindy (Jimmy) Brown, and Tammy Miller; sister, Janie (Rick) Engler; sister-in-law, Karen Kirby; brothers, Charles (Linda) Kirby, Reuben (Kathy) Kirby, Earl Kirby Jr., Jerry (Cathy) Kirby, Eugene (Peggy) Kutcher, and Bobby (Lillian) Kutcher; grandchildren, Joe Slentz, Josh (Jen) Slentz, Katrina Gearhart, Jennifer Lunsford (Matt Hall), Brady (Amie) Duncan, Kayle (Andy) Zuercher, James (Megan) Brown, Tracy Brown, Brian Bartko, Max (Katie) Bartko, Stephanie (Mike) Geoffrion, and Laura (James) Marshall. She also leaves behind 24 great grandchildren. A private family graveside will be held and a celebration of life will be at a later date.