Luella Enid Bartlett, 74, of Columbia City, died unexpectedly at her home at 9:47 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, 2024.

Born in South Bend, Indiana, on December 5, 1949, she was a daughter of the late Max E. and June K. (Parsons) Carteaux.  Growing up in South Bend, she attended Central High School.

On October 12, 1978, she married Eugene P. Bartlett.  They made their home north of Columbia City.  For the past 12 years, they have lived in Columbia City.

A full-time homemaker, she occasionally worked in the food service industry, beginning with her grandparents' business, the Cherry Café in Warsaw.

At home, she enjoyed vegetable gardening, computer gaming, and cooking.  Her greatest joy was teaching her great-grandchildren cooking skills and sharing their prepared dishes.

She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Eugene; children Monica (Gregory Swihart) Herbst, Gina Brooks, Rodney Hall, Christalee (Christopher) Keesler, all of Fort Wayne and Susan (Jason) Sowers of Churubusco; 15 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; a brother, Max (Carol) Carteaux, Jr. of South Bend and a sister, Christina (Randy) Brooks of Osceola.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by a sister, Veronica L. Carteaux.

Visitation is from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

Memorials in Luella's honor are to Parkview Heart Institute.