Henderson pioneer Troy Bartlett, known for big heart, dies at 86

By Steve Kanigher

Tuesday, March 29, 2011 | 2 a.m.

Troy Bartlett, one of Henderson’s pioneers, always lent a helping hand to individuals and families in need, whether it was for groceries, rent or college scholarships.

He died Sunday at age 86.

He will be remembered as a man who teamed with wife Selma to help make Henderson the community it is today. The couple helped establish St. Rose Dominican Hospitals, the city’s first senior center and below-market rental housing when there was a crucial need for those services.

“Henderson would not be what it is today without the Bartletts,” nephew Michael Ratliff said.

Born April 24, 1924, in Pauls Valley, Okla., to farmers who grew wheat and cotton and raised cattle, Bartlett married Selma, his high school sweetheart, 64 years ago.

Having served in Europe during World War II, he spent 20 years in the Air Force, retiring as a master sergeant. The couple moved to Henderson in 1954 while he was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base.

After his military service, Bartlett worked for 20 years at First Interstate Bank, where he retired as a bank officer in charge of purchasing. Banking was a profession he shared with his wife, who was regional president and board member at BankWest of Nevada. Selma continues to help people with their financial needs.

Together, the couple sponsored scholarships at UNLV and Nevada State College, helped churches throughout the community and even took nuns from St. Rose Dominican Hospitals on vacations with them.

Ratliff described his uncle as a “meat and potatoes” lover who supported UNLV athletics and had a passion for golf, so much so that he managed to record a few holes-in-one.

“He was the best neighbor you could ever have,” Ratliff said. “He could fix anything. I can’t tell you the number of times he went to the grocery store for people who needed food. He and Selma would sponsor LDS missions even though they’re not Mormon.

“He was always there for everyone, and he was always there for Selma.”

Ratliff also remembered Bartlett as the strong, quiet type who could tell a good joke.

“I never heard him say a cross word to anyone,” Ratliff said.

In addition to Selma and Michael Ratliff of Henderson, Bartlett is survived by nephew Ed Ratliff of North Carolina, great-niece Kristina Ratliff of Henderson, and sisters Ruby Rayburn and Nadine Schmidt of Oklahoma.

Private services are pending. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Bartlett Elementary School, Attn: Principal Wendy Lee Phelps, 1961 Wigwam Parkway, Henderson, NV, 89074.