Gwen Bartschi

Gwen Marie Miller Bartschi of Midvale, Utah, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 27, 2025. Gwen was born at her grandmother’s home in Sharon, Idaho, on May 3, 1930, as the first child of her dear Mother, Ellen Dunn Miller, and her beloved Daddy, Albert Ellsworth Miller, Jr.

Growing up on a farm, she helped her dad gather the hay and fill the wood box. Her mom, who taught at the local schoolhouse, taught her the value of education. Gwen graduated from high school in Paris, Idaho, and then attended Utah Agricultural College (now Utah State) for a year before a brief stint at the University of Utah. She paused her education when she married Vern Joseph Bartschi on July 20, 1949. Although they later divorced, she fondly remembered the good times they had together, and their union gave her the greatest blessings in her life: her four children. It also solidified her cherished relationships with the Bartschi family.

Gwen and Vern raised their family in Pocatello, Idaho, where, after a 25-year hiatus, Gwen resumed her college studies. Following her graduation from Idaho State University, they moved to Salt Lake City so that Gwen could complete an internship. A year later, she started work as a dietitian at University of Utah Hospital. She worked there full-time until her “retirement” just shy of her 65th birthday, but the work ethic instilled in her on the family farm resulted in her continuing to work at the hospital on a part-time basis until she was 80. That additional income financed her wanderlust, and the daydreams of a young farm girl became reality as she flew and cruised all over the world, visiting 50 countries.

Gwen was devoted to her faith as a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She knew her Savior and sought to share Christlike love with others through her dedicated service, particularly treasuring opportunities to serve through her church callings as president of the Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society organizations at the ward and stake levels. She also found great joy through family history work and her regular attendance at the temple.

She used her many talents to bless others. She was a legendary knitter and loved ones prized the beautiful afghans she made for them. Her sweet singing voice could be heard as part of the singing groups The Singing Mothers and The Salt Crystals. Gwen enjoyed attending the theater and symphony with her dear friends. Her greatest talent was her ability to connect with her family. Her favorite place to gather together with them was at Redfish Lake, Idaho, where many hours were spent playing card games, hiking, and singing around the campfire.

Gwen is survived by her son Grant (Tracie) Bartschi, Pocatello, ID; daughter Sharon Bollenbach, Pleasant Grove, UT; daughter Carolee (Melvin) Hansen, South Jordan, UT; daughter Ruthann Bartschi, Taylorsville, UT; bonus daughter Janet Reid, Taylorsville, UT; 8 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; brother Ted (Peggy) Miller, Rexburg, ID; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; siblings Al, Taft, and Ann; son-in-law Steve Bollenbach; grandson Nathan Bartschi; and granddaughter Lisa Bartschi.

The family expresses their sincere gratitude to the staff at Spring Gardens Senior Living Midvale and the Canyons Hospice team for their kind and loving care at the end of her life. The family is also thankful for the many friends who enriched her life. While we mourn her passing, we take comfort knowing that her example and love remain with us.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 1050 E. Chapel Hill Dr., Midvale, UT 84047, with a viewing that morning from 9:30-10:45 a.m. Gwen will be laid to rest at Murray City Cemetery, 5490 S. Vine St., Murray, UT 84107.