Gina Marie Bartalone-Rider

Gina Marie Bartalone-Rider, 49, of Watervliet, passed away Sunday, December 17, 2006 at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 555 E. Delaware, Benton Harbor, with Fr. William Jacobs officiating. Friends may call from 5-8 P.M. Tuesday at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with Liturgical Prayers recited at 7:00 P.M. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Berrien County Cancer Service, or the charity of the donor’s choice. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Gina was born January 3, 1957 in Benton Harbor. She graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1975. Gina was employed by SBC in the Engineering Department for over 32 years. On May 26, 1995, she married Thomas Rider in Paw Paw, Michigan. Gina loved camping, spending time with her family and friends, flowers, her cat Tabby, shopping and interior decorating. Gina is survived by her husband Thomas; two step sons-Justin & Jason Rider; her mother Lorraine Koeppen of Stevensville; her father and step mother Jim & Vi Bartalone of Benton Harbor; her sister Francie (Buddy) Wyatt of Woodstock, GA; her brother James Bartalone of Benton Harbor; four step sisters-Judy Beaman, Sandra (Ed) Howarder, Margie Sullivan, Betty Malaski; one step brother Dan Beaman; nephews Joshua Wyatt, Cody & Kyle Bartalone; and numerous cousins, aunts & uncles. Gina was preceded in death by her step father Ted Koeppen and her maternal & paternal grandparents.