Obituaries

Mary “Mary Lou” Louise Bartlett, 88, of Woodlawn, Kentucky, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at University of Cincinnati Hospital.

Mary Lou was born on July 20, 1938, in Dayton, Kentucky, to the late Warren and Helen (nee Overman) Deitemeyer. A lifelong Northern Kentucky resident, she attended St. Bernard Parish and graduated from Academy Notre Dame of Providence. After graduation, Mary Lou began working for Western & Southern.

It was during the Korean War that Mary Lou’s life took a wonderful turn. She began corresponding by letter with Mel Bartlett, and what started through letters grew into a courtship that lasted several years. The two were married on July 22, 1961, beginning a marriage and family that would become the center of Mary Lou’s life.

Once she became a mother, Mary Lou devoted herself to raising her family. She was an involved and energetic mother—serving as a Girl Scout leader, participating in Mothers Club, camping, gardening, swimming, and making sure there was always something happening. Summers were often spent at Bartlett’s Lake, where the family would fish, swim, play, and simply enjoy being together. Mary Lou loved those family moments and created memories that would last for generations.

She eventually returned to the workforce, spending many years as a clerk at Fifth Third Bank before retiring at age 62. She enjoyed working and made lifelong friends along the way.

Mary Lou was happiest when she was busy. She loved to sew, crochet, work crossword puzzles, read, cook and bake—especially her pies—and tend to her flower garden. She was an enthusiastic supporter of her grandchildren, attending their activities and always ready to cheer them on.

Her love for her community extended well beyond her family. After retirement, Mary Lou became even more active at church, volunteering at the St. Bernard food pantry, singing in the church choir, helping with church festivals, serving at Mary Rose Mission and working the polls every election day. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she found great joy in giving her time to others.

Mary Lou was also the ultimate Cincinnati fan. She loved the Reds and Opening Day, as well as Blink, Riverfest, Oktoberfest and just about any big Cincinnati event that brought people together. She loved being part of the community and experiencing life alongside the people she cared about.

When Mel was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Mary Lou became his primary caregiver. She cared for him with the same devotion and determination she had shown throughout her life. Even while dealing with kidney issues of her own since 2008, Mary Lou remained remarkably active. She continued to hike with her family, attend her grandchildren’s activities, volunteer, and find ways to keep moving forward.

Above all, Mary Lou was the matriarch of her family. She was a woman who gave her time freely, loved deeply, stayed involved, and found joy in the simple things—family gathered at her house on Christmas Eve, a grandchild’s activity, a homemade pie, flowers in bloom, or a day spent with people she loved. Her family was her greatest accomplishment, and the love she poured into them will continue through the generations.

Mary Lou is survived by her children, Melissa (Joe) Gruber, Theresa “Terry” (Ron) Richter, David (Tanya) Bartlett, Elizabeth “Beth” (Chris) Williams, and Brad Bartlett; her sister, Ruth Ann Robbins; her grandchildren, Emma (Ross) Bockbrader, Alex (Kristinely Afable) Gruber, Claire Gruber, Benjamin Gruber, Nicholas Gruber, Veronica (Levi) Schafer, Mark (Valerie) Richter, Melody Bartlett, and Sean Williams; and her great-grandchildren, Lincoln and Liam Schafer.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mel Bartlett; her parents, Warren and Helen Deitemeyer; and her siblings, Jackie Gamel and Warren “Sonny” Deitemeyer Jr.

Visitation will be held Friday, September 4, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at St. Bernard Parish in Dayton, Kentucky. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. Mary Lou will be laid to rest beside her husband at St. Stephen Cemetery in Highland Heights, Kentucky.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 644 Linn St., Suite 1026, Cincinnati, OH 45203.

To share a story or leave an online condolence, please visit Linnemann Funeral Homes.