Joan K. Bartz

Joan K. Bartz, 68, of Yakima, Washington, passed away Wednesday, January 1, 2020, at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Yakima.

Born on April 19, 1951, in Van Wert, she is the daughter of Verne Cadell Bartz and Marilyn Sue (Edwards) Bartz, who both preceded her in death. 

Joan was a 1969 graduate of Van Wert High School. She received her undergraduate degree from Bowling Green State University and her master’s from the University of Illinois. Joan was an avid reader her entire life.

Joan worked as a hazardous nuclear waste scientist at the Hanford Nuclear Waste site in Washington state and at numerous other locations and agencies throughout the country.

She is survived by her brother, Tom (Tammy) Bartz of rural Van Wert County; nephews and nieces, Brandon (Brenda) Bartz, Kristy (Terry) Boyd, Chad (Kelli) Jay, Kristen (John) Maenle and Matthew Jay; and a cousin who was more like a sister, Alberta (Charlie) Priddy McConnell of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

In addition to her parents, Joan was preceded in death by her beloved dog, Sammy.

Friends and family may call from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, January 19, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert.

Memorials given in Joan’s memory may be directed to the Van Wert County Humane Society.

Funeral arrangements are by Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert.

Condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.