Sandra Kaye Halbritter-Bartley

Sandra Kaye Halbritter-Bartley, age 79 years, formerly of Niles, Michigan, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2025 with her family at her bedside at Mercy New Life Hospice near her home in Elyria, Ohio following an extended illness.

Sandra was born August 24, 1945 in Clinton, Oklahoma to Ted L. and Ruthe (Montgomery) Halbritter while her father served as a Chief Pharmacist Mate in the US Navy, and her mother was recently Honorably Discharged as a Pharmacist Mate 2nd Class in the US Navy, and they were stationed at the US Navy Air Station in Clinton. Later, the family moved to Niles, Michigan. Life in Niles created many wonderful memories, especially those of the families served at the Halbritter Funeral Home, the family business operated by her parents and then later by her brother, Ted III. Sandra was very involved in her hometown of Niles, Michigan and graduated from Niles High School in 1963. She was a flutist in the band and senior year Homecoming Queen. To fulfill her dreams of becoming a teacher, she enrolled and graduated with her Bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University in 1967. In 1966, she spent a year in Hawaii completing her student teaching requirements—a truly amazing experience.

Sandra married Michael T. Bartley on August 31, 1968. They had two children, Kevin Michael and Katie Kim. Soon after they married, Mike took a position as a Special Agent with the FBI, and moved his family to Nachez, MS and then settled in Grafton, Ohio. The family was very involved in the community; Sandy was a member of various women’s clubs, councils, library board, and school organizations. But her real gift was in the classroom- Sandra had a passion for teaching mixed with a love of seeing her students grow and thrive. From 1979-2004, she taught Kindergarten through second grade at Midview Schools in Grafton, OH and we are certain that the students, families and staff of Brush, Belden and Grafton Elementary Schools will remember her fondly. In 1998, Sandra earned her Master’s of Education from Marygrove College. Even after she retired from the classroom, she continued to foster the love for teaching through her position as Supervisor of the Bachelor Plus Program at Ashland University School of Education. She also taught piano lessons to many children throughout Lorain County.

When those think of Sandra, they will remember her affection for the arts, reading, gardening, music and travel. She kept a strong connection between friends and family by writing endearing cards and letters; the best gift to her would always be beautiful stationery and a book of stamps. In her free time, she also enjoyed knitting and making hundreds of hats and booties for the babies at various hospitals in the area. But most of all, she will be remembered for her kindness, her thoughtfulness and her willingness to serve her communities and her family.

Sandra is preceded in death by her parents, Ted L. and Ruthe Halbritter, and by her infant twin sister Sue Anne.

She is survived by her son Kevin Bartley (Kelly) of Amherst, Ohio and their daughter Morgan, daughter Katie Kim Bartley of Phoenix, Arizona, brother Ted Halbritter III (Mary Jo) of Niles, Michigan, nieces Claire Ziesmer and Carrie Sponsky of Michigan.

Committal Services for Sandy Halbritter-Bartley will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 27, 2025 on the Halbritter Family Lot at Silverbrook Cemetery, 1400 East Main Street in Niles, with Pastor Duane Lindsey of the former Wesley United Methodist Church in Niles (now New Journey UMC) officiating. Arrangements in Ohio were completed at the Hempel Funeral Home in Amherst, Ohio. Arrangements in Michigan are being completed at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home in Sandy’s former home at 615 East Main Street in Niles.

Contributions in memory of Sandy may be made to the Niles District Library, 620 East Main Street, Niles, Michigan 49120; https://nileslibrary.com/. Memories and condolences may be left at:

www.halbritterwickens.com

Sandy’s life was committed to serving others; having been born to Navy servicepersons, and raised in funeral service; married to an officer of the law; and her entire career in public education, teaching both the youngest of students, and then university students. Retirement was only a touchpoint, as she continued to diligently serve many others, always with a joyful smile.