Theda N. Bartholomew of Mariposa, died peacefully in Fresno after a brief illness.

She was born in Tom Bean, Texas, to Hollis and Thula Lowe, one of three children, and spent her childhood in Mineola, Texas. She attended local schools in Mineola and received her teaching degree from Texas Women’s University in Denton, TX. Her academic career was exemplary.

Theda was the beloved wife of Robert “Bob” Bartholomew for more than 46 years. Her two brothers, Leroy and Elton Lowe, preceded her in death.

She is survived by her husband, Bob; her two beloved children, Tino and Parrish Bartholomew and wife, De- Fawn; and by three cherished grandchildren, Brock Bartholomew, Leah Weedman and Acacia Bartholomew; along with beloved cousin, Jerry Ward; three great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins in Texas and countless friends who were blessed to know her.

Theda loved teaching and taught high school and college for 41 years, some of which was in foreign countries while Bob was in the diplomatic service. She was spoken of in Honduras as “El Rojo Texan,” and was regarded there as a formidable educator.

Theda enjoyed square dancing, laughing, being with her friends and family playing games, and she especially enjoyed cooking. Everyone who knew her proclaimed her to be the best cook in three counties. She and Bob raised show dogs for some years and later, raised and showed paint horses. Theda touched the lives of many people with her caring, her smile and generosity, and she never saw a stray, two-legged or four-legged, that she didn’t try to help.

Theda will be greeted by her Heavenly Father with “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.”

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Jan. 7 at 2 p.m. at Mariposa Funeral Home.