Melody Bartsch

Melody Ann Bartsch, age 68, born on October 19, 1955, in Rushville, Indiana, was a beacon of love and light to all who knew her. She passed peacefully in her home on October 20, 2023, outside of Princeton, Missouri.

Melody lived her life in a way that can be described with one word; Beautiful.

Her loyalty and compassion were felt by everyone she met, making her a beloved figure in her community. Melody was a proud and dedicated employee at a local graphic packaging company in Des Moines, Iowa, for over 40 years. More currently she worked at Casey's in Princeton, Missouri.

She was an ardent lover of all things birds and fishing, which brought her immense joy and peace. She was also a devout Christian woman who recently received her baptism and was a proud member of the Mercer Assembly of God Church, where she served as a Sunday school teacher. The same nature that defined her home life also made her a tremendous asset to her church community.

Melody was a fan of baseball and football, cheering on the Kansas City Royals, Washington Redskins, Kansas City Chiefs, and Iowa Hawkeyes. She was a handywoman, frequently fixing things that broke around the house, a testament to her resourceful nature. Above all, spending time with her step-daughter, Chris, mattered most to Melody.

She was also an adoring wife to her late husband, LeRoy Bartsch, whose memory she kept alive by writing daily notes. Melody's compassionate nature and radiant love extended to everyone she met, and she was loved in return.

Melody is survived by her mother, Barbara Snider; her siblings: Steve Snider of Wyandotte, Oklahoma, Charlie Snider of Neosho, Missouri, Martha Snider of Tucson, Arizona, Marjorie Woodruff of Neosho, Missouri, Michelle Dalton of Anderson, Missouri, and Mary Snider of Missouri.

Also left to cherish Melody's memory are her step-children; Brenda Jenkins of Eldora, Iowa, Chris Bartsch of Marshalltown, Iowa, Julie Hilfich of Mason City, Kelly (Chris) Weis of West Des Moines, Iowa, Bryan (Rose) Bartsch of Eldora, Iowa and Tim Bartsch of Eldora, Iowa.

Melody's memory will also live on though many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, LeRoy Bartsch; her father, John Snider Sr.; her brother, John Jr.; and her step-daughter, Diane Stegen.

Memorials in Melody's honor may be directed toward that family.

Melody's funeral service will be held at 11:00am. on Wednesday October 25, 2023 at Peterson Funeral Home in Carlisle, Iowa (415 School Street, Carlisle, Iowa 50047). Visitation will take place one hour prior to service. A light luncheon will follow the service.

Per Melody's wishes, her body will be cremated. Her urn will be interred at Iowa Veterans Cemetery near Adel, Iowa at a later date.