Lois Eileen Bartels, 87, of East Alton, passed away at 3:30 A.M. Monday February 16, 2026 at Jerseyville Manor in Jerseyville.

She was born July 2, 1938 in Tomah, WI. She was a daughter of the late Philip and Alice (Belcher) James.

Lois and Garland John Bartels were married on August 24, 1959 in Dubuque, IA. They shared 65 years together. Garland survives in East Alton.

As a Homemaker she was able to care for her family. She also sold Sarah Coventry products for a time.

Along with Garland, Lois is survived by three sons, Brian Bartels and Sheila of Poplarville, Mississippi, Kevin Bartels of East Alton, Scott Bartels and Melissa of East Alton; son-in-law, Mike Morris of Bunker Hill; five grandchildren, Joshua Morris of East Alton, Alana Bartels of Poplarville, Mississippi, Jeremy Morris and Abby of Lake St. Louis, MO, Lucas Cobb of Bethalto, Jacob Cobb and Lacey of Bethalto; seven great-grandchildren, Annabelle Morris, Caleb Morris, Hayden Cobb, Brody Cobb, Lila Cobb, Hazel Cobb, Hank Cobb; one brother, Marlyn James and Charlene of Edwardsville.

Besides her parents, Lois was preceded in death by a daughter, Kristi Morris; one sister Marietta Fleek, two brothers, William ”Bill” James, Kenneth “Howard” James.

Lois was a member of Dayspring Four Square Church in South Roxana. She enjoyed playing bingo with friends and loved researching genealogy of her family tree and ancestry.com, she had two very special friends, her sister-in-law Charlene and Joyce Cook. They were longtime friends. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

There will be private graveside services on Friday, February 20, 2026 at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto. Pastor Norman Wilfong will officiate.

Gray Funeral Home in Wood River is in charge of arrangements.