Erika K. Bartholomew, age 84 of Leavittsburg passed away peacefully into eternal rest on February 21, 2024 at Eden Vista of Stow where she had been a memory care resident since 2022.  She was born on November 17, 1939 in Marklkofen, Germany the daughter of the late Leonhard and Katharina (Kramhoeller) Speckmaier.   She immigrated to the United States in 1960 and served in the US Army from 1961 - 1963. She then met and married George A. Bartholomew on Oct. 26, 1963 and they enjoyed 58 years of marriage together until he passed away on June 28, 2022.  Erika worked as the secretary to the Superintendent of LaBrae School System in Leavittsburg for 30 years before retiring in 2005.  Erika loved cooking, knitting, crocheting, flowers, and gardening.   She was smart, organized and a loyal friend.  She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband George, and her brother Bruno Speckmaier.

Erika is survived by her sons Gregory Bartholomew of Warren, OH and Thomas Bartholomew (Nassim Mir Mozaffari) of Stow, OH; her daughter Heidi Bartholomew (Timothy Brown) of Pittsburgh, PA; her sister Hildegard Gemlich (Bill) of Las Vegas, NV; her brother Hartl Speckmaier (Magdolna) of Marklkofen, Germany; her sister-in-law: Eileen Blaney of Cortland, OH and many nieces, nephews and friends in the USA, Germany, Canada and Sardinia.

Cremation has taken place.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the James Funeral Home in Newton Falls on Saturday March 2, 2024 at 3:00pm with Pastor John Jaros officiating.  Calling hours will be from 1:00-3:00pm. Erika will be laid to rest beside her husband George at Pine Knoll Cemetery in Warren Twp, OH.

The family would like to thank Erika's wonderful caregivers at Eden Vista of Stow and Traditions Hospice.  Erika loved LaBrae Local Schools and especially the Band program.  Memorial gifts may be made to support the band's uniform drive at:  https://labrae.school/LaBrae_Donations.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the James Funeral Home, 8 East Broad Street, Newton Falls, OH 44444 (330)872-5440.  Family and friends may view her obituary online or to send condolences, please visit us at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com.