Donna Lynn Bartz, 53, of Stuart, passed away December 20, 2020. She was born in Auburn, NY and grew up in Skaneateles, NY. She was a graduate of Skaneateles High School and Houghton College in Houghton, NY, class of 1989. Donna grew up serving in the Owasco Reformed Church in Owasco, NY. Her heart for ministry was further cultivated as she served alongside her husband, John Bartz, the pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church, Frewsburg, NY and Christ United Methodist Church, Olean, NY. Their ministry, having grown to include their two kids, Hannah and Josh, relocated to Stuart, FL in 2005. For the past nine years New Beginnings Community Church, Palm City, FL have been blessed by their dedicated service and care.

As a pastor's wife, Donna served throughout the years in children's ministries, teen ministries, women's groups, and hospitality groups. Her warm spirit and witty sense of humor equipped her to serve faithfully, no matter what role she played. Every person who came in contact with Donna walked away feeling encouraged and ready to tackle any obstacle that lay ahead. Her joy lit up the room and was unavoidably uplifting. In tandem with ministry, Donna taught third grade at Jupiter Christian School for fourteen years. Her life was centered on her faith and revolved around her family, her church, and her teaching. Donna cared for each one of her students like they were her own children, loving them and developing them into disciples of Christ. As Donna would often say, even during her sickness, "Only God could love you more."

She is survived by her spouse of 31 years, John Bartz of Stuart; son, Joshua Bartz (Taylor) of Palm Beach Gardens; daughter, Hannah Bartz of Stuart; sisters, Dawn Cornell (Paul) of Beaver Falls, NY and Denise O'Loughlin (Jeff) of Delray; and parents, Douglas and Diane Dean of Skaneateles, NY.

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, December 28 ^th at 6pm at Palm City New Hope Church, Palm City, FL. Masks and social distancing will be required. If you are not able to attend in person, the service will be streamed live on New Beginnings Community Church Facebook page.

Memorial contributions may be made to New Beginnings Community Church, PO Box 514, Port Salerno, FL 34992. If you would like to donate to a scholarship fund in honor of Donna's legacy, all donations can be made to Jupiter Christian School with "Donna Bartz Memorial Scholarship" in the memo line. This scholarship will go towards an elementary student seeking a Christ-first education who exhibits financial need. Our hope is that Donna's heart for a biblical education will continue to live on through the generosity of this scholarship.

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Please feel free to write a condolence or share a story about Donna.