Barbara Marie (Gerth) Gartrell's Obituary
Barbara Marie (Gerth) Gartrell, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was 86 years old.
Barbara was born on September 12, 1938, in West Palm Beach, Florida. In 1940, she moved to Lakeland, which became her residence and permanent home. She brought joy and warmth to everyone she encountered and was known for her kind heart and unwavering love for her family.
Barbara's greatest accomplishment was the strong and loving bonds she nurtured throughout her life. Barbara's life revolved around her deep love for her husband, Homer, and her family. Her devotion to Homer began when the two first met in 9th grade while attending Lakeland High School, where Homer became not only her love but also her first kiss.
Both Barbara and Homer were proud graduates of Lakeland High School, a shared experience that laid the foundation for their beautiful love story, which grew into a life together that spanned decades. Barbara also cherished her family deeply, always putting them first and showering them with kindness and selflessness.
Now, Barbara will join Homer in heaven to fulfill their eternal life together. Barbara and Homer enjoyed and were proud members of Bethel Baptist Church of Lakeland, where their faith and community were central to their lives. Barbara was an active participant in a Bethel Baptist prayer group and devoted her time to knitting prayer shawls, bringing comfort and care to those in need.
Her devotion and kindness touched many within her church family. Barbara enjoyed a professional career as a bookkeeper, working for Tedder & Grimsley and later for Florida Sheet Metal. Through her hard work and expertise, she enabled many Lakeland businesses to operate efficiently and effectively, earning the trust and friendship of countless people within the Lakeland community.
Her generosity and selflessness extended far beyond her professional contributions, as she dedicated her time to helping others through local charities and community programs. Barbara loved and cherished her brother, Rick Gerth, and her sister, Margaret Von Ehr. She held their relationships close to her heart, celebrating the bonds that enriched their lives.
Barbara also found immense joy in watching her grandchildren, Amanda, Haley, Connor, and Hunter, play sports, proudly supporting their activities and achievements. She is also survived by her son, Philip E. Gartrell, and his wife, Sheila Gartrell, along with their family, Amanda Pajtis, (Collin Pajtis), and Haley; and her daughter, Lydia M. Facey, and her husband, David Facey, along with their two sons, Connor and Hunter.
Barbara's legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched with her kindness and generosity. Friends and family are welcome to graveside services at Bethel Baptist Church of Lakeland on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. EST. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either the Lakeland High School Boys Baseball team: lhs-baseball.square.site or to Bethel Baptist Church: subsplash.com/u/-DNFMJG/give.
Barbara Marie (Gerth) Gartrell will forever be remembered for her boundless love, radiant smile, and compassionate spirit. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness and grace, reminding us all of the beauty in life's simple joys.
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