Tessie Lorraine Gray Bartholomew passed away on May 17, 2024, in Allen, Texas, two days before her 96th birthday.

Tessie was born in Superior, Nebraska, to Albert and Clista Gray on May 19, 1928, the sixth of nine children. She graduated from Superior High School.

Tessie was married to John Bartholomew in 1946, in Fremont, Ohio. They farmed near Hardy, Nebraska, and Webber, Kansas, before buying a farm south of Mankato, Kansas, in 1958, where they lived until moving to town in 1979. Tessie helped her husband on the farm. She always delivered meals to the field during harvest and was a good cook. She enjoyed baking, reading, and gardening, along with her work on the farm. She was an active member of the Harmony United Methodist Church, and participated in many clubs in the area.

Tessie is survived by her daughter, Nancy Wendling, of Allen, TX; son, Donn Bartholomew and wife Glenda of Colorado; and son Richard Bartholomew and wife Deb of Mankato, KS; six grandchildren, Amy Wendling, Sara Pittenger, Darrick Bartholomew, Armeshia Onken, Seth Bartholomew, and Tanner Bartholomew; three step grandchildren, Jason Eilert, Judd Eilert, and Josh Eilert; and 21 great grandchildren and step grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister, Albert June Gray White, of San Diego, CA, age 98.

Tessie is preceded in death by her husband John, and grandson Justin Bartholomew. 

A Celebration of Life for Tessie will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at 2:00 pm, at the Harmony United Methodist Church in Mankato. 

Memorials are requested to the Harmony United Methodist Church and may be sent to Melby Mortuary, PO Box 384, Mankato, Kansas, 66956.

Melby Mortuary of Mankato is assisting the Bartholomew with arrangements.