May 16, 1927 — June 13, 2014

Norma Jean Bartak, 87, of Niles, died at 7:15 a.m. Friday, June 13, 2014, at West Woods of Niles following an illness. Her family is grateful to the staff of West Woods and Hospice at Home for offering the highest quality of personal and professional caregiving.

She was born on May 16, 1927, in Niles to Emrick G. and Joy (Livengood) VanLue. She was graduated from Niles High School, and has lived here all of her life.

Norma was a member of the Pokagon United Methodist Church. She enjoyed maintaining a variety of birdfeeders and watching the variety of birds attracted to those feeders. Her greatest joy was caring for her family, and especially the grandchildren.

On Aug. 25, 1947, at the Saint Mary Catholic Church rectory in Niles she married William R. Bartak with whom she celebrated the 57th anniversary of their wedding prior to his death on April 19, 2005. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Arlene Kirk and brother, Donald VanLue.

Surviving family includes her sons, William J. Bartak, Edward (Cheryl) Bartak, and Timothy (Debbie) Bartak, all of Niles; grandchildren April (Troy) Meek, Nikki Bourne, and Rebecca (Jon) Medlin; great-grandchildren Brendon, Kylie, Brayden, Ava, Bree, Delainey, and Braxton; sisters, Fay (Cliff) Walter and Janet Reed, both of Niles; her sister-in-law, Vivian (Mrs. Joe) Bartak of Niles, and many nieces and nephews.

The family of Norma Bartak will be gathering privately for a ceremony with the Rev. Richard Muessig, followed by committal at Mission Hills.

Contributions in memory of Norma Bartak may be made to the Pokagon United Methodist Church, or to Hospice at Home. Arrangements were made at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.

www.halbritterfunerals.com