Cecilia Bartholomew

Cecilia "Cec" Bartholomew of Columbus died Saturday, November 1, 2025 at Edgewood Vista.

Funeral services are 10:30 am Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at the Federated Church in Columbus.  Visitation is on Tuesday from 5-7 pm at McKown Funeral Home and continues on Wednesday from 9:30 am until service time at the church.  Interment is in Columbus Cemetery.

Cecilia "Cec" Bartholomew was born on March 3, 1937, in Nebraska City, Nebraska, to Cecil and Janice (Edwards) Witty. She grew up in Nebraska City and attended Peru State College, where she began shaping the thoughtful, community-minded spirit that would define her life.

On August 31, 1956, Cec married the love of her life, M.H. "Bart" Bartholomew, Jr., in Beatrice, Nebraska. Together they built a family rooted in love, laughter, and service.

Cec's career reflected her sharp mind and dedication. She worked as a legal secretary for several attorneys in Columbus and later as a legal stenographer for the Platte County Court. She also spent time at Williams School before her well-earned retirement.

But Cec's true passion was people. She gave of herself freely and often—volunteering for countless organizations, always with a smile and a sense of purpose. Her service included the Platte County Food Pantry, the United Way Campaign, the Columbus Community Hospital Foundation, the Master Gardener Service Project, and the Columbus Tree Board. In 2019, she was honored with the Sertoma Service to Mankind Award—a fitting recognition for a life spent helping others.

Her faith was at the heart of everything she did. At the Federated Church, Cec was a Circle Leader and Moderator, chaired fundraisers, served on the funeral committee, and helped with Meals on Wheels. She had a gift for making others feel remembered and cared for—whether through a handwritten note, a visit to a nursing home, or a comforting word at just the right time.

Cec is survived by her loving family:
Daughters Susan (Tom) Zabawa of Columbus, NE, and Jo (Jim) Shaddy of Eden Prairie, MN; Son Jerry Bartholomew of Lincoln, NE;
Grandchildren Tara (Scott) Stecklein of Kearney, NE; Samantha (Evan) Pichler of Omaha, NE; Elizabeth (Kelly Kunz) Zabawa of Ovid, ID; Bart Shaddy and Dan Shaddy, both of Minneapolis, MN;
Great-grandchildren Thomas, Jude, Evie, Lena, and Julia;
Sisters Peggy (Dennis) Wallman and Toni Kingery;
And many nieces, nephews, and cousins who cherished her deeply.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, M.H. "Bart" Bartholomew, Jr.; her parents, Cecil and Janice Witty; her sister Sarah Stever; brother Ronald Witty; and sister Mary Witty.

Cec lived a life of grace, kindness, and quiet strength. She left the world brighter through her service, her faith, and her love for family and friends. Those lucky enough to know her will carry her warmth and generosity in their hearts forever.