Mary Barta

Mary T. Barta passed away Sunday, February 18, 2018 at the Great Bend Regional Hospital in Great Bend, Kansas at the age of 83. She was born on August 19, 1934, on the family farm in Ellsworth County, Kansas near Wilson, to the late Emil and Rose (Mattas) Podlena. She lived in numerous Kansas towns, but spent most of her life in Great Bend. Although she graduated from Brown Mackie School of Business, she devoted her life to family and friends. On October 18, 1954 Mary was united in marriage to Clarence Barta at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Wilson, Kansas. Her Catholic faith was one of her greatest passions. Born without a middle name, she took the name “Theresa” at her confirmation, and used the initial “T” her entire life. She faithfully attended St. Patrick Catholic Church in Great Bend and was a member of the Altar Society. Mary is survived by her husband Clarence Barta of the home in Great Bend; son Randy Barta and wife Kayla of Overland Park; daughter Cindy McQuade and husband Tim of Hoisington; grandsons Mike Barta of Lenexa, Ryan McQuade of Hays, and Mark Barta of Mission; granddaughter Holly Simpson of Topeka; great-grandson Chace Barta; great-granddaughter Charlotte Rose Barta; and sisters Emily Zorn of Hoisington, Anne Ehrlich of Haven, and Sister Loretta Podlena of Great Bend. She was preceded in death by her parents Emil and Rose Podlena, brother Bill Podlena, and sister Helen Soukup. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00pm on on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Wilson. Burial will follow in the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00pm on Friday at the funeral home with Prayer Vigil at 6:00pm.