Ilene Alice Bartels, 81, of Holton, passed away Sunday, July 12, 2020 at Midland Hospice House in Topeka. She was born July 14, 1938 in Washington, KS, the daughter of Frank Leslie and Elva F. (Roberts) Borden.

Ilene graduated from Washington High School. She received her Registered Nurse diploma from St. Mary’s of the Plains at Stormont Vail.

She worked all levels of nursing in many counties in Kansas as well as Nebraska to include Jackson County Nursing Home, Merry Manor, in Holton, as well as Atchison Medicalodge.

She married Arthur H. Bartels on June 30, 1968 in Wymore, NE. They celebrated over 45 years of marriage before he passed on October 8, 2013. She was also preceded in

death by her parents, and an infant sister.

Ilene enjoyed contributing to the activities at the Jackson County Senior Center in Holton. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Holton, and was a previous member of the United Methodist Women.

She is survived by two children; Vickie Bartels of Holton, and Leslie Bartels (Gwenn) of Holton; one brother, Frank Borden Jr (Sandy) of Superior, NE; two granddaughters; Adalyn & Amelia Bartels.

Memorial Graveside will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 16, 2020 with a brief viewing at 10:45 a.m. at the Joy Creek Cemetery in Washington, KS. A visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton.

Memorials may be given to Midland Care Hospice or Wounded Warrior Project c/o Mercer Funeral Home, PO Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com