C. LaVerne Bartges

C. LaVerne Bartges, 88, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 23, 2026 in Collierville, TN.  She was born May 16, 1937 in Claridge, PA, daughter of the late Charles R. and Clara B. (Henderson) Hostetler.  A graduate of Penn Joint High School, Class of 1955, she received her Registered Nursing (RN) diploma from the Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing, Oakland, PA in 1958.

On September 6, 1958, in Export, PA, LaVerne married the late William “Bill” Bartges, who preceded her in death on January 7, 2023.  They were blessed with 64 years of marriage; three children: Harry (Elaine) of Byhalia, MS, Charles (Marcia) of Bradenton, FL, and Brenda (Brett) Giles of Milton, GA; eight grandchildren: Kevin (Jessica), Hannah (Andrea), Tessa (Dakota), Andrea (Will), Katie (Sam), Emma (Dylan), Megan, and Claire; and two great-grandsons: Theo and Hayden.  She was preceded in death by her two sisters: Mary Lou Lazar and Betty Cunningham.

LaVerne provided compassionate care in hospital, private duty, corporate, and school nursing positions, and also to her many family, friends, and neighbors where ever she saw a need.  She always showed up to help: meeting more than medical needs, sharing a meal, her time, and the warmth of her companionship.

She distributed the abundance of her garden and prolific blueberry bushes to others, and enjoyed being outdoors: the beach, camping, gardening, going barefoot, and even mowing the grass.  Her work behind the scenes, welcoming nature, and smile filled many stomachs and hearts alike, whether at her home, in public, or a Penn State tailgate.

She was the heart of the family, and the glue that held it together.  She poured love into everyone and every action.  She thought of, and brought out the best in everyone, giving her full attention and support where it was needed the most.  She nurtured her family and supported their activities whole-heartedly.  She was happiest when with her expanding family, welcoming each new member as a treasure, and looking forward to each upcoming gathering.

She served as a church elder and deacon, and was an active member of the Nurses Study Club and the Order of the Eastern Star.  Her selfless service of others was a daily testimony of her Christian faith, but it’s most notably her love that will be missed.

Funeral services will be held at the Shiloh Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 217 Washington Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 on Monday, May 4, 2026 at 9:30AM with Rev. Scott Wiest, officiating.  Private burial will be in the Centre County Memorial Park.

Visitation will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home, 169 Center Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 on Sunday, May 3, 2026 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM and again on Monday, May 4, 2026 from 8:30AM until 9:00AM.

Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to Shiloh Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 217 Washington Street, St. Marys, PA 15857, or to the Nurses Study Club Scholarship Fund, c/o Eileen Erich, 167 Hemlock Road, St. Marys, PA 15857.