Gay Bartlett, of Western Grove, Arkansas passed away Monday, December 15, 2025 in Mountain Home. She was 85 years old.

The daughter of John "JT" and Thelma (Ohler) Barber was born February 2, 1940 at Sims, Arkansas. She lived in McGehee, Arkansas most of her life and moved to Newton County in 2003. She was a member of Western Grove Bible Church.

Gay retired from McGehee Public Schools after managing the cafeteria for 25 years. During summer breaks, she spent her time cooking at Rocky Ridge Youth Ranch in Greenbrier. She dedicated 40 years to serving at the camp and cooking for countless kids. When she moved to Western Grove, she rejoined the workforce at Western Grove Schools as a teacher's aide and paraprofessional for 18 more years.

She married the love of her life, Dave Bartlett, on October 29, 1958. She loved reading, sewing, and being outside. She especially loved to mow her yard. Gay was fiercely independent. As the second oldest of 14 children, she was forced to grow up early and parent many of her younger siblings. She was proud of her kids, and like most grandparents, more partial when it came to her grandkids and especially her great grandkids.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dave Bartlett; a son-in-law, Tim Bartlow; and siblings, Dorothy Goggans, Edith Hand, Polly Jewell, Sue Johnson, Pearl Oliver, John Barber, Kenneth Barber, Michael Barber, and Larry Barber.

Gay is survived by her four children, David Bartlett, Debbie (Jeff) Phipps, Donna Bartlow, and Doug (Melissa) Bartlett; siblings, Raymond Barber, Peggy Galloway, Marge Sklasz, and Trixie Jones; 8 grandkids, Sara Featherling, Michele (Josh) Brannon, Kimmie Bartlow, Cameron Bartlett, Bailey (Timmy) Pesina, Blake Lamb, Tyler Lamb, and Kendall Lamb; 9 great grandkids; two brothers-in-law, Peck Jewell and Roger Bartlett; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives and many dear friends.

Visitation will be at 10:00 AM followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM both on Friday, December 19, 2025 at Coffman Funeral Home in Harrison. Private burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Rock Haven Bible Camp, PO Box 40, Hasty, AR, 72640.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Bauer and the ICU Nurses at Baxter Regional Medical Center.

On-line condolences can be left at www.coffmanfh.com.