Helen L. "Pat" Myers Bartlett enjoyed 92 earthly years and passed from this life to join her Lord and Saviour on June 19, 2015. Pat, a Tulsa native, was born to William C. "Chester" Myers and Helen Loeffler Myers on August 31, 1922. She was predeceased by her parents; one sister, Melba Demaree; 2 great-grandchildren; and her husband, F.M. "Pete" Bartlett. Pat attended Barnard Elementary School, Wilson Jr. High, and Central High School. She studied art for 3 years at Oklahoma State University. She then married Pete and earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Tulsa. Together she and Pete raised their five children, all of whom live in the Tulsa area. They are: Bonni Bunting; Mike Bartlett & wife, Marilyn; Gary Bartlett & wife, Andrea; Susan West & husband, David; and Wendy Beller & husband, Jim. Besides her children and their spouses, she is survived by 13 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces & nephews, and her friend, housemate & caregiver, Valerie Sampson. Pat loved the Lord and His Word, her family & friends, helping others, traveling, and parties!
Pat's faith and love of Christ was evident in all of her endeavors and relationships. Her interest in serving people began at an early age with her involvement with Girl Scouts. In the 1970s, Pat saw a need for more socialization and outside activities for residents in a neighborhood nursing center. She organized "The Mod Squad." Weekly, Pat and a group of her friends would gather the ambulatory residents from the center and treat them to an outing. The field trips included adventures to parks for picnics, museums, restaurants, special events, even Pat's backyard pool. She kept a stock of appropriate swimsuits for her senior charges. Interspersed in all the fun were always lessons & stories from Scripture.
Eager to share her love of Christ with others, Pat authored a book, Instant Bible, which was a condensed look at the bloodline of Christ from Genesis to Revelation. The book was designed for teaching and included puzzle pieces that fit together to show the prophecy becoming flesh. The book was circulated and sold at many Christian book fairs. Tulsa Bible Church was where Pat chose to worship for the past 20 years. Until just a few weeks ago, Pat hosted the "Praying Grandmas" every Tuesday in her home. They met weekly to pray for the significant people in their lives and always included favorite hymns of praise in their time together. Pat has annually given financial support to over 20 Christian missions and missionaries. Treasuring her friendships at Tulsa Bible Church, Pat said her class was "studying for their final." Anyone who knew Pat knew that she loved the Lord.
True to her character of loving people, Pat loved parties and loved to host them. She was instrumental in establishing a neighborhood Christmas cookie party that was a tradition for over 50 years. All of her parties had a theme and often included singing. If Pat was involved, there most likely would be a party game designed to make everyone feel welcomed and valued. She enjoyed poetry and was known for penning rhymes to suit any occasion. On June 6th, Pat hosted the traditional family tea party for the Bartlett women. In spite of her failing speech, she was heard to say clearly, "This is my kind of party!"
Adventures in traveling were integral in Pat's life. She traveled to Russia where she was able to teach Instant Bible. In Columbia, South America, Pat rode a motorcycle and a donkey. She and her friends drove a motor home to the Arctic Circle. Her itineraries took her to Europe as well as to Hawaii where she and Pete spent time entertaining friends in their home there. Many happy memories were made in Pat's home at Shangri-La on Grand Lake where she has welcomed friends and family for 30 years.
Pat and Pete were generous philanthropists at OSU for whom the Bartlett Center for the Studio Arts was named. They were also donors to the University Scholarship Program, the President's Distinguished Scholarship Program, the FCA Plaza, the Henry Bennet Society, the President's Club, and the Noble Research Center. Pete and Pat could be found at all OSU home football games wearing orange and cheering for their Cowboys. Another beneficiary of the Bartlett generosity was the Tulsa Center for Individuals With Physical Challenges. Named in their honor, the Bartlett Regatta raised over 2 million dollars for The Center in its 26-year history.
Pat received numerous accolades for her volunteer work including National Volunteer of the Year by the American Health Assn. in 1976, the Better Life Award from the Okla. State Nursing Home Assn. in 1977, Volunteer of the Year by the Tulsa Metropolitan Nursing Home Assn. in 1985, and the Henry G. Bennet Distinguished Service Award from OSU in 1989. In May of this year Pat was inducted into the Proud and Immortal Society at OSU for her continued generosity to the university.
In spite of dealing with Parkinsons Disease since 1985, Pat lived her life to the fullest and for the glory of God. Her faith, positive attitude, and compassion for others will be her legacy. The wonderful care and love provided to her by Valerie Sampson and Jackie Bailey were blessings that allowed Pat to remain in her home and to participate in the life she enjoyed. Pat's was a life well lived - Well done, good and faithful Servant!
Viewing will be 1-8 P.M., Monday, June 22, 2015 at Moore's Southlawn, 9350 E. 51st, Tulsa, with family receiving friends from 5-7 PM. Memorial celebration of Pat's life will be 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at Tulsa Bible Church, 58th & Sheridan. Contributions in her memory may be made to Young Life of Tulsa. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233 share memories at www.moorefuneral.com