Mary Josephine Barta
November 16, 1915 ~ February 10, 2009
Mary Barta, 93, of Cedar Rapids, died Tuesday, February 10, 2009, at the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, Hiawatha, following a long illness Services: 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 16, 2009, at St. Ludmila Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, by the Rev. Thomas McDermott. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. on Sunday at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, with a vigil service at 6 p.m. Friends may also call one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Burial: St. John Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Survivors include two daughters, Kristine and her husband Gregg Jones, and Nancy 'Nan' Barta, all of Cedar Rapids; three sisters-in-law; one brother-in-law, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband George; two brothers, Frank and Joe; and two sisters, Rose and Mildred. Mary was born on November 16, 1915, in Cedar Rapids, the daughter of Frank and Josephine (Svoboda) Andrlik. She started working when she was 17 years old as a line supervisor at Wilson Meatpacking. On September 4, 1939, she married George F. Barta and then he went on active duty in India during World War II. Upon his return in 1946, the Barta's purchased, 'The Saddle & Leather Shop'. She and George worked side by side for many years. The Barta family continues to operate the business. In 2008, the 100 year old building was destroyed by the devastating flood. It is located on the Avenue in Czech Village. Mary was a member of St. Ludmila Catholic Church for the last 70 years and was a charter member of the Cedar Rapids Horsemen's Club. She, along with Katie Miller, Frank Zaspal and many others, often cooked meals for people following equestrian events, horse shows, and trail rides. Many times they cooked for 500 or more people. She enjoyed cooking, knitting, visiting friends and family, as well as writing letters and sending cards monthly to keep in touch with everyone. Many will remember her as a very kind, caring, and generous person. Everyone who knew her recognized her leveling factor in life as she saw good in everyone. Mary will be truly missed by all her family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Ludmila Catholic Church. In the past six years, the Barta family has been blessed with many caregivers who dedicated their time and thoughtfulness to the family for which they are truly grateful. And also a sincere thank you to all the nurses and staff at the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy for their compassionate care of Mary and her family.
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Dear Kris and Nancy:
Words cannot express my sadness at the news of your mom’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you both in the coming days. Ida’s anniversary was Feb. 8th, 18 years. I’m so sorry I can’t be with you. Just know that I love you and I loved your mom for her kindness to me throughout my life. Debbie
If all the knit and crocheted items that Mary made for people could be put in a stack, it would reach halfway to heaven. Over the years, all the “thumb-less mittens” Mary made for Andy were a kind, kind thing. Mary was all about making all of us comfortable. She has earned her rest….and some good times again.
As we cry for the loss of those we love, Those tears are really tear of joy for them as they how are sitting with Christ, No pain anymore.
God Bless her Family.
Nan and Kris,
I hope she and your dad had as much fun with their 50th wedding anniversary party as we did.
My daughter Ann is thinking of you too.
Kris & Nancy,
please accept my sincere condolances at the passing of your mom. You will hear this a lot in the next few days but it cannot be said too much. Your mom was a wonderful woman. Anybody (and i say this after raising a kid) who could not just put up with but welcome dozens of teenagers into her home Friday night after Friday night like she did pretty much qualifies for sainthood in my book.
rick
Dear Nan and Kris, You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God offer you peace and comfort during this difficult time. I was so happy to have the chance to meet your mom in person as I could see her in both of you. Love, Ann
I have known the Barta’s for many years. I grew up knowing the Barta’s, at the Saddle and Leather shop and many horse shows. My grandparents Tommy (Lawrence) and Anne Huston were very good friends with George and Mary. She will be missed by all.
Lori Huston
She lived in peace, right with God and is with him and her husband again.
Mary and George were special ” people ” to us. We consider it a honor to have known and been friends of George and Mary.
Kristine and Nancy,
Our sympathy is with you on learning of the passing of your Mother. It is never easy to lose a loved one, especially a mother. We are thinking and praying for you during this time of mourning and grief.
May you know many people are here to support and care for you.
My dear firends Nan and Kris,
Mary has completed a long life’s path and is beginning a new journey. Her spirit and generous nature will be remembered by many. May the faith that gave her strength also strengthen and comfort you in the days ahead.
She will be missed, we love you all.
Dear Kris and Nancy:
I am so sorry for your loss!
The picture of Aunt Mary is beautiful….she looks just like I remember her. She was a sweet and always kind person to all of us in the Charlie Barta family!
You are in our thoughts and prayers
We grieve the loss of a loved one yet are happy for them as we know they are not suffering and are with the Lord. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
We will always remember Mary as a totally kind, giving and beautiful person.
Dear Family,
Many years of memories with both of your parents.
Being Cedar Rapids residents and members of St. Ludmila’s Church. God’s blessings on your family.
Don and Judy Teply
Kris and Nancy and Family,
Your mother was so gracious to me in 1948 to 1951 when I was active with the Horseman’s Club and of course later when you were both dear
little children. I loved both your parents. And want you to know that I spent many a summer afternoon feet in the creek at Upmeiers visiting with
Mary.
Love to you both,
Joan Liffring-Zug Bourret
Dearest Barta Family,
I have cherished the fact the Mary and George were my Godparents. Your mom never forgot a Christmas or birthday that I would get a card from them. I have the most beautiful afghan she made me . I will always cherish your parents for the rest of my left. My deepest sympathy to your family.
Deborah Hoffey Oswalt
nan and kris, an old italian man reminded me when this ole man was 14 years old, that any man could father you, however, mother nature allows for only one mother. you are never alone in times like these, all else aside, please know your mother leaves this world in her own state of dignity. ken
Kris & Nancy
You are in my thoughts, and prayers.
From everyone here at Weatherbeeta, our deepest and heartfelt condolences. Your Mom lived a long, and happy life, and will always be in hearts of all who knew her.
Jack Greenberg
Fran & Jack Levy
Everyone at Weatherbeeta USA