Ava Kochowiec Bartee

Evans, GA - Mrs. Ava Kochowiec Bartee, wife of 57 years to Lacy Howard “Bart” Bartee, died on October 30, 2017, surrounded by her loving family and friends. She walked faithfully with the LORD from early childhood, and now rests securely in the presence of her loving Savior, Jesus Christ. She is survived by her son, Howard Bartee (Deanna) and her daughters; Allyson (Dr. Frank Powell), Kelly (David Hagler), and Jennifer (Jeff Sandlin). She was blessed with 14 grandchildren; Callista Bartee Guthrie, Caleb Bartee, Quinn Bartee, Kaelynn Bartee, Kjerstin Bartee, Quaid Bartee, Lydia Powell, Ruth Powell, Zofia Powell, Frances, Powell, David Ross Hagler, William Hagler, Kate Sandlin, Jack Sandlin and 1 great grandchild, Raylon Guthrie.

Ava was born in Novydwoor, Belarus in 1937. She experienced being transported in a cattle car with her family to Germany by the German army. Along the way, she witnessed Jews being loaded on the same cars for their final destination in extermination camps. Because of her personal experience with the sight of the Jewish persecution, she had an intense love for both the Jewish people and the State of Israel. After WW2, Ava and her family were interned in a refugee camp prior to emigrating in 1951 to Interlaken, New York and later settled in Elmira Heights, New York. Because of living in Europe, Ava was fluent in Russian, German, and Polish and learned English with ease. Prior to graduating from High School, Ava became an American Citizen. Deeply patriotic, Ava was grateful and proud to be an American. Upon graduation, Ava joined the Navy, becoming a WAVE in 1959. There she met her future husband, Bart. They were married October 22, 1960 in Charleston, SC. Ava experienced the life of a Navy wife moving to Providence, Rhode Island and then when Bart was sent unaccompanied to Okinawa, with a move to Japan by herself with a young son, when Bart was transferred to Yokosuka. Ava moved with Bart from Japan to San Diego, to North Carolina, Florida, to Virginia, back to North Carolina, to Texas, and finally Orlando and then Pensacola, FL. Through it all, Ava maintained an incredible Grace, making sure the family stayed the highest priority. Finally, when Bart retired from the Navy, Bart and Ava moved to Augusta, GA.

Everywhere Ava lived, the neighborhood kids would end up congregating at the Bartee house, where Ava was both the Koo-laid and Cookie Momma. Ava was both an incredible wife and mother. There was no off button on Ava. Every morning prior to school, Bart and the children always enjoyed a full breakfast. Ava attended to everyone’s needs before she would ever take care of herself! Most importantly, as a Mom, Ava would take the family’s Bible and read stories every evening to all of her children when they were young, building in all of her children a love for Jesus Christ. Ava supported both Bart and all her children in their endeavors. Because of
Ava’s love of children, she became a preschool teaching assistant at John Milledge Elementary school for 13 years. Today, Ava stands in Heaven with Jesus, singing in the Heavenly Choir, praises to the Almighty! Ava lived her life with an intense passion of Love. She did not speak ill of people, but loved all that came her way. Her life was a life of self-sacrifice and a desire to serve her God, family, and friends. Ava’s husband of 57 years, Bart, cherishes the short time he had with her. If Bart could say one thing to Husbands, it would be love your wife with all your heart and appreciate who they are, for time is short. Ava and Bart were long time members of National Hills Baptist Church and recently had been attending Kiokee Baptist Church.

A funeral service will be Thursday, November 2, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. in the chapel of Thomas Poteet & Son with Rev. Toby H. Rowell and Rev. Steve Hartman officiating. Burial will follow at Westover Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Frank Powell, David Hagler, Ross Hagler, William Hagler, Quinn Bartee, and Howard Bartee. Honorary pallbearers will be the National Hills Friday Morning Prayer Group.
Memorial contributions may be made to Jud C. Hickey Center for Alzheimer’s Care, 1901 Central Avenue, Augusta, GA 30909.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:00 A.M. at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com