Irene Bartow, age 80, of Plymouth, Ohio passed away Monday, January 23, 2023 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born on November 29, 1942 in Bristol, Virginia to the late Willie and Gertrude (Steffey) Nester. Irene enjoyed her landscaping and flowers around the house. She was a member of the Tiro United Baptist Church and also a member of the Ladies Aide through the church.
Irene is survived by her husband, Clayton Bartow whom she wed on December 28, 1984. She is also survived by her children, Michael Eugene Elliott (Lyda Tyler) of Garrett, KY, Jeffrey (Angie) Elliott of Shelby, OH, Chris (Melanie) Elliott of Plymouth, OH, Scott (Julie) Bartow of Alabama, Shirley (Greg) Azbell of Alabama and Kevin Bartow of Minneapolis, Minnesota; 15 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; brothers, Billy Nester and John (Ella Mae) Nester; sister-in-law, Linda Nester; and brother-in-law, Gene Fritz.
Along with Irene's parents, she is preceded in death by her four brothers, Herman Nester, Bobby Ray Nester, Frank Nester and James Nester; two sisters, Phyllis Crisp Taylor and Eddy Fritz; brother-in-law, Don Crisp and sister-in-law, Wanda Nester.
Friends and family can gather at Secor Funeral Home in Willard, Ohio on Friday, January 27, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Irene's funeral service will follow at 12:30 p.m. with Pastor Merlin Dye officiating. Burial will take place at the Maple Grove Cemetery in New Haven, Ohio. Memorial contributions can be made to Paxis of the Firelands (rehab center and homeless shelter in Willard). Online condolences can be made to Irene's family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com
Condolences
Janet Dawson - Feb 1, 2023
John and families, sorry to hear of your sister's passing. Prayers to you and extended families.I 🙏
Daniel R Ingram - Jan 30, 2023
Clayton and Family. So sorry for your loss, I will miss her dearly
Cledis Slone - Jan 29, 2023
We are so sorry of Irene's passing may god bless you our thoughts and payers are with you
Mark and Tammy Hall - Jan 28, 2023
No words can ease the pain. We will be praying for ALL the family during this difficult time. We loved Sis Irene and love her family. Hang tight, God will see you thru.
Ruby A Gayheart - Jan 28, 2023
we are really sorry for your loss and your familys
Barb Horne - Jan 27, 2023
I just heard right now, Friday 27, 1:15. I am so sorry but know she is now dancing. God hold you as you morn yet rejoice her life.
Paula Jessie - Jan 27, 2023
My deepest sympathies to you Clayton. You took such good care of Irene. I’m happy that in the past several years she and I had gotten closer. I miss those calls and hearing her voice “Hello Paula” on the other end. She’d been so ill and I hadn’t talked to her much in the past several months. But she always told me how much she enjoyed the family dinners together with her family and told me how good Clayton was to her. She will be missed.
Kimberly Daron-Withkowski - Jan 27, 2023
Chris and Jeff, my deepest sympathy to you and your families. Thinking of all of you during this very difficult time.
Tracy Strempel Ricchiuto - Jan 27, 2023
Clayton and family, my deepest condolences. I always enjoyed seeing you both at the family reunion. My prayers for your strength and comfort from all your families precious memories together.
Vera Ash - Jan 26, 2023
Heaven has gained another angel. Irene was my dear friend from the very first time that I met her. Her smile and her laugh will be truly missed. My sympathies to Clayton and her family.
judy spears - Jan 25, 2023
Clayton, I am so sorry for your loss. Irene was a dear friend. I missed her visits lately. Now I know she must have been bad off. She will be greatly missed. I truly loved her as a dear sister in the Lord. May you be comforted knowing you will meet again. My heart aches for you, I know how you feel. The Lord will comfort you. She was a dear friend.
Jesse & JoAnn Moore - Jan 25, 2023
We loved this lady from the first time we met her. Such a sweetheart, loving, kind, soul. Going to miss her, Love and prayers to all her family.
Billie Hicks - Jan 25, 2023
Such a wonderful lady. I'm glad I knew her and most of her family. She will be missed. So sorry for the loss.
Ken and Jeanie Hahn - Jan 25, 2023
Clayton - Jean and I are so saddened by Irene's passing, but there is also gratitude for the many great years that you two had together. You made an amazing couple - you with your kind, quiet and steady manner, and Irene with her bright, pixie-like smile which she shared with everyone. I always looked forward to you coming to the Bartow reunions. You are apart now, but in God's good time I know you will be together again in his loving arms for all eternity, with Ethan, Lillian, Louise, and all the rest of the clan. Ken Clayton -- We have fond memories of you and Irene at our Bartow Reunions. May you treasure the wonderful times you had together. Our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. God bless you and comfort you. Jeanie
Debbie Davis Gibson - Jan 25, 2023
My deepest condolences to Clayton and the boys and all who loved her. She was a special lady! I was 15 years old when I met Irene and I loved her from the moment we met. Years past, our lives moved on, but the love never changed. She called me many times through the years and if I missed her calls she would leave me a voice message. I still have those messages on my phone. I couldn’t delete them through the years and now I’ll treasure them forever until we meet again in heaven. Irene, rest in the arms of Jesus!
Ken and Patti Bailey - Jan 25, 2023
What a wonderful woman she was, with such a kind heart. She loved everyone. We will meet again dear sister. ♥️
Pastor Roy D Adams - Jan 25, 2023
Clayton it is with great sorrow in my heart that my dear sister is gone to Jesus but knowing we will see each other again makes me rejoyce. Death is a sad time for those of us left behind but she is now walking and talking with Willie and Mother and spending time loveing at the feet of Jesus Amen. Love and prayers for the family.
Mike and Karen Barnett - Jan 24, 2023
My heart is so broken my dear friend. I’m rejoicing that you walk with God. No more pain and illness. We have a promise to meet again. I’ll be looking for you when I get there. I will miss you deeply but you’ll always have a place in my heart. Mike and I both are praying for you Clayton and all the family. Love to you all.
BARB JONES - Jan 24, 2023
Clayton, sending hugs, love and SYMPATHY. She was a long times good friend. May GOD blesss. bj and family.
