Bruce N. "Neal" Bartlett

Bruce N. "Neal" Bartlett of Augusta, Michigan


Neal, age 61, died unexpectedly at home on Thursday morning, March 31, 2016.

Neal, the son of Bruce H. and Ann E. (Zeller) Bartlett, was born in San Antonio, Texas on February 10, 1955; was a lifetime area resident and was a 1973 graduate of Pennfield High School. Neal was employed as a machinist for 10 years at Bentler Automotive Corporation of Galesburg, MI until 2005 and was previously employed at Cello-Foil of Battle Creek. Neal loved working in his shop, fishing and playing poker with friends. He and Kim were constant companions and they especially enjoyed being outdoors together.

Neal was united in marriage to Kimberly Ann (nee: Ruis) on December 23, 1977 in Battle Creek and sadly she preceded him in death on November 22, 2014. Surviving are his mother and father, Ann and Joe Bauer of Battle Creek; 1/2 sister, Julie Bauer of Marshall, MI and two step-sisters, Suzanne Otte of Battle Creek, MI and Sallie Rapp of Marysville, CA; his mother-in-law, Roselynn (Rice) Ruis of Richland, MI; and a brother-in-law, Henry W. "Hank" (Bev) Ruis of Benton Harbor, MI. Neal was also preceded in death by his father, Bruce.

The Memorial Service to celebrate Neal's life will be held Wednesday, April 6th at 11:00 a.m. at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel, 9170 East D Avenue (M-89), where family and friends will share tributes to both Neal and Kim. Family and friends will continue this special couple's life celebration with a time of fellowship and a luncheon at The Dock At Bayview, 12504 East D Avenue, Richland, MI 49083, immediately following the Service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Neal's honor may be directed to the Humane Society of South Central Michigan, 2500 Watkins Road, Battle Creek, MI 49015.