Ralph Eugene "Gene" Bartlett Jr. was born April 27, 1940 in Roswell, New Mexico, son of Ralph Sr. and Martha (Golightly) Bartlett. He grew up in a big, loving family with five sisters and one brother.

Gene spent the majority of his life in Roswell. In 1977, he was baptized in the Gateway Baptist Church. He worked at the Shell Station for many years, and was also employed in the oil field.

Throughout his life he always cherished his time with his family. Growing up Becky remembers spending every summer with her dad in New Mexico and enjoying many family gatherings with him.

Gene enjoyed deer hunting. He was a collector of knick-knacks and was always ready to go to a flea market to see what he could find. Working on trucks was also a passion of his.

In the summer of 2012, Gene moved to Bluff City, Kansas, to be close to his daughter, Becky and her family. His last few years with his grandchildren meant the world to him.

On September 30, 2016, Gene passed away peacefully at the Anthony Community Care Center in Anthony, Kansas at the age of 76. He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Abigail Moody; and siblings: Jimmy Bartlett Sr. and Betty Tricarico.

Gene will be deeply missed by his daughters: Becky Gerlets and husband, Kenneth and Dena Hurst; sisters: Peggy Bartlett, Tammy Bartlett, Janet Yates and Joyce Tutterow; 5 grandchildren: Stephanie, Eric, Staton, Whitney and Kenny Jr.; and 2 great-grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held 5:00 p.m. Monday, October 10, 2016 at the Revolution Fellowship Church in Anthony, Kansas with Pastor Kent Olds officiating.

Friends may register 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday or 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday at Prairie Rose in Anthony.

Memorials in memory of Ralph may be made to the Anthony Community Care Center or to the Kansas Heart Hospital and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003, is in charge of arrangements.