Obit: Barth, Nancy J. (1945 – 2020)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Barth, Gardner, Cook, Stillman, DeBella, Mangiaracina, Pakiz, Bucheger

----Source: THORP COURIER 29 Apr 2020

Barth, Nancy J. (13 FEB 1945 – 16 APR 2020)

Nancy J. Barth, age 75, of Thorp, WI, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2020, at the home she shared with her husband Fred Barth and children for the last 49 years.

Nancy Jean Gardner was born on February 13, 1945, to Harold and Jean (Cook) Gardner, the first of seven children. She grew up on the family farm in Loyal, WI and as a young girl, when she wasn't helping her parents on the farm, including fieldwork with her two favorite draft horses, Pat and Brownie, she was participating in speaking competitions, sewing, and was active in 4-H. After graduating high school in 1963, she attended UW Eau Claire for two years. In 1965, she attended Peace Corps training in Tempe, AZ and after training spent more than a year in Minas Gerais, Brazil as a Peace Corps volunteer. She returned to the US and worked for a few years, including working at Thorp Finance before meeting and marrying Fred Barth on August 15, 1970.

Nancy turned her attention to helping Fred on the family farm and raising three children. In addition to gardening, Cooking, and being well-respected seamstress who made many bridal gowns, bridesmaid’s dresses, and prom dresses for the local ladies, she was a chaperone and volunteer for many school activities from grade school through high school for each of her children. After they were grown, Nancy began working at the Clark County Health Care Center as a cook, where she worked until her retirement. Retirement did not stop her, and she continued to volunteer as a school "grandmother" and helped raise two of her grandchildren.

Nancy is survived by her beloved husband, Fred Barth; her three children: Michelle Stillman DeBella (Peter), Doreen Barth, and Chris (Marianne) Barth; six grandchildren: Jared and Jason Stillman, Shelby and Tyler Mangiaracina, and Mathew and Lindsey Barth; five brothers and sisters including: Bob (Delores) Gardner, Betty (Dave) Pakiz, John (Laura) Gardner, Judy Bucheger, and Gerry (Nancy) Gardner; and numerous nieces, nephews and their extended families. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Jean; and one brother, Ray Gardner.

Nancy will be missed by family and friends for her warm heart, her nurturing nature, her quick wit and good sense of humor, as well as her fried potatoes, baked beans, and gooey dessert. She will be cremated and a memorial service will be planned later this year for friends and family to celebrate her life.

Condolences may be sent to the family or you may leave thoughts at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.  Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family with arrangements.