Melba Elaine (MacBeth) Bartlett, 83, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2022 at Meadowlark Estates in Lawrence, Kansas. She was born in Detroit, Michigan on June 9, 1939. She married Thomas Bartlett on October 16, 1957; Tom preceded her in death in 2015. Survived by daughter, Denise (Jeff) Cyzman, loving partner, Gary Forister, and son-in-law, Gary (Susan) Granke. Three daughters preceded her in death, Pam Granke, and Mary and Elaine Bartlett. Loving grandmother to Jeff (Michelle) Granke, Scott (Crystal) Granke, Courtney Cyzman, and Ryan (Carly) Cyzman. Great-grandmother to Emma and Cody Granke, Thomas Manly, and Jack Cyzman. Cherished aunt to many nieces and nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her grandson, Aaron Granke, parents, Melvin and Billie (Schniers) MacBeth and two sisters and brothers-in-law, Patricia (Chuck) Smallwood and Joanne (Jim) Mitchell.
Melba worked as a paraprofessional at Southfield Public Schools, where she also served as a union president. She enjoyed cooking for families and friends, and was known for her Christmas fruitcake and decorated birthday cakes. Equally enjoyable to her was going out to eat. She and Tom loved to travel throughout the United States and on cruises. Melba was deeply spiritual with ties to the Catholic and Presbyterian faiths, and she enjoyed singing in the church choir.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Michigan this summer. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan.
I and my wife are so sorry to learn of the passing of Melba. Condolences to the family .
She as the President of Southfield Educational employees and I, as President of the teachers union devoted our time in representing our members. We and our spouses also were friends socially. Her dad and my wife’s dad met and became dinner partners at the at the Senior Franklin Club in Southfield.
Fondly,
Bill and Mary Jo Williams
We join others in expressing our feeling of loss with Melba’s passing to new life. We were friends with Melba and Tom at LHV, with many happy memories. The wooden train at LHV always reminds us of those days. Our hope is in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ who conquered death for all of us.
I’m so very sorry to receive this news. I knew her well when she lived in Michigan. She will rest in peace now with all the union members that have gone before her.
So sorry for her family she was a very nice lady
So sorry to hear of Melba’s passing. What a way to spend Christmas in the arms of our Lord. She was a good friend at Lighthouse Village in Homer, Michigan
So very sorry to hear this, Melba was a leader in the Union and a friend to all her knew her or sought out help in Unions matters. When traveling with the Union, Melba was always there to help! I gas Lucky enough to know both her and Tom and considered them both friends! May her memory always be a blessing!
Our condolences to the family. May she rest in the peace of our Lord.
Our deepest condolences
Our hearts are broken by the sad news about Melba. We were neighbors for many years in Southfield, Michigan. We send our heartfelt condolences to the family.
I love you aunt Melba. Please kiss and hug Uncle Tom , my mom and Dad for me.
I loved Melba very much. She will be greatly missed by my family.
I can’t imagine never playing marbles again! We had so many good times! Oh how she liked to yell bingo! You will be missed! ❤️
I am so sorry for your loss of Melba. She brought happiness with her wherever she went and always had that contagious smile on her face. I will miss her humor and most wonderful hugs. She was an amazing person and I am thankful to have had the opportunity to know her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family as I know this is a difficult time. Hugs to all of you.
We are so sorry to hear other passing. We had no idea she was that I’ll. We truly enjoyed her happy personality and sense of humor. She was so good for a Gary and I’m glad they got to spend some years together.
Melba was such a beautiful person inside and out. Every time I saw her she had a positive attitude and a smile on her face. Of all the things she did in her life I think her greatest joy was her family! I am truly sorry for your loss. I wish you many wonderful memories and peace knowing that she’s with you always in spirit.