Hilda Irene Bartlett

Hilda Irene Bartlett passed away peacefully at the age of 87 on April 10th at Scottish Rite Park. Born in Cardiff, Wales, on December 17, 1938, to Thomas and Doris Hall, she moved with her family and her brother, George, to Sheffield, England, during World War Two. A passionate caregiver; she studied nursing at the University of Sheffield. She was wed to the love of her life, Barry Bartlett, on her 22nd birthday in 1960. Together they had three sons; Stephen, Michael, and Richard. In 1973, the family moved from England to Des Moines, Iowa, where Hilda changed careers from nursing to administration at Ahlers & Cooney Law Firm.

She was widowed in 1982. A devoted wife, she never remarried and kept the memory of her husband Barry alive through photos of him throughout her home, always sharing stories about him for the younger generations of Bartletts who never had the chance to meet him. Through Hilda’s three sons, she became the grandmother of 9 and great-grandmother of 7. A doting matriarch of the Bartlett family, her Urbandale home was constantly filled with loving grandchildren who affectionately referred to her as “Nana.”

In her later years, she moved into Scottish Rite Park where she had many friends, kept a busy schedule of activities, and would proudly host her family in her beautifully kept apartment on many occasions. Outside of spending time with her loving family and friends, Hilda enjoyed reading, board games, crossword puzzles, and trivia. Incredibly bright and quick witted, even into the later stages of her life, she would come out victorious against all challengers in highly competitive games of Scrabble and Jeopardy.

Hilda will be remembered as a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be sorely missed by her surviving family and friends who will keep her spirit with them throughout the rest of their lives. Information regarding a memorial service to come soon.