Eileen Barto

SEATONVILLE — Eileen Barto, 97, formerly of Seatonville, passed away the afternoon of Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016, at Manor Court of Peru, where she had resided for almost five years.

Eileen was born Aug. 23, 1918, in Standard to Constance and Lillian Carruthers Grotti. She married Raymond Barto on Aug. 27, 1935, in Granville. They lived their entire live in Seatonville, where she was a homemaker. She traveled with her husband on his many jobs and interests.

She was appointed Bureau County Sheriff to serve out the term of her husband, Sheriff Raymond Barto, after his tragic accidental death on July 16, 1970.

In her earlier days, she loved playing cards with family and friends, reading, working crossword puzzles, watching TV sports and politics. She was a lifetime member of the Seatonville Congregational Church (Independent), and while in Manor Court she appreciated her faithful visits from Pastor Bill Jacobsen. She also was a member of St. Margaret Hospital Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary, Order of the Eastern Star and enjoyed ravioli making at St. Gertrude Church in Seatonville.

Eileen is survived by nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 1970; five brothers, George, Jim, Aldo, William and Art Grotti; and a sister, Vera Petroski.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 8, at the Seatonville Congregational Church (Independent) with the Rev. Bill Jacobsen officiating. Burial will follow at Valley Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation for Eileen will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 8, at the church.

Memorials may be directed to the Seatonville Congregational Church.

The Barto Funeral Home in Spring Valley is assisting the family. A guestbook may be viewed and signed at bartofh.com.