Kenneth Charles “K.C.” Bartholomew, a lifelong Idahoan, passed away on August 23, 2026, at the age of 85. He was born on July 23, 1941, to Robert A. and Gertrude Bartholomew and was the second of five children.

K.C. grew up on a farm north of Jerome, where he learned the value of hard work from an early age. He spent countless hours helping his family on the farm, including milking cows alongside his mother. Those early years shaped the man he would become—hardworking, dependable, and always willing to lend a hand.

From an early age, K.C. had a love for competition and the Western way of life. He was a member of the pep band in high school, but after graduation, his passion for rodeo took hold. What began with competing in bareback riding eventually led him to team roping, a sport that would remain an important part of his life for many years.

He graduated from Jerome High School in 1959 and went on to attend Boise Junior College. What would ultimately shape his future was when he proudly graduated from the Idaho Post Academy. K.C. then built a long and respected career as a State Brand Inspector, serving from 1967 until 1996. Through his work and his involvement in the livestock and rodeo communities, he formed lifelong friendships and touched the lives of countless people.

On February 27, 1965, K.C. married Billie Shrum. Together, they built a life centered around family, livestock, rodeo, and their community. They raised four children: Jan, Tracie, Casey, and Steven.

K.C.’s dedication to Idaho’s livestock industry was recognized in April 2013 when he was inducted into the Idaho Livestock Hall of Fame, an honor that reflected his many years of service and commitment to the industry he loved.

One of his greatest passions following his retirement was working on the San Jacinto Ranch south of Jackpot, Nevada. He spent many years and traveled many miles on horseback there, helping work cattle and building friendships new and old that lasted a lifetime.

Perhaps K.C.’s greatest legacy was the time he gave to others. Over the years, he spent countless hours coaching kids in baseball and helping others with various rodeo events. He had a way of showing up, lending a hand, and making sure the next generation had someone in their corner.

That same dedication carried into his role as a grandfather. Alongside Billie, Grandpa K.C. logged many miles traveling to watch his grandchildren and their friends compete and was one of the most faithful faces in the stands and along the sidelines. Whether it was a baseball or softball field, a basketball gym, a wrestling mat, a football field, or a rodeo arena, he wanted to be there. He was one of their biggest fans and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer them on. His presence was never a question and never required an invitation; he wanted to be there. His grandchildren knew that if they were competing, there was a good chance Grandpa K.C. would be somewhere in the stands watching.

K.C. will be remembered for his unassuming love of family, supporting youth sports, his passion for rodeo and livestock, his willingness to help others, and the countless friendships he built throughout his life. Above all, he will be remembered as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, coach, mentor, and friend who believed in showing up for the people he loved.

He is survived by his wife, Billie; his children, Jan Loper, Tracie (Tony) Schroeder, Casey Bartholomew, and Steve (Amy) Bartholomew; his grandchildren, AJ (Ashley) Schroeder, Averie (Iziah) Newsome, Cameron Loper Jr, Sidney and Brett Bartholomew, Sophia (Riley) Wiedmeier, Olivia and Hank Bartholomew; his great-grandchildren, Briar Schroeder, Zaiden and Atilei Newsome; his sister, Sue Jacobsen; his brother, Carl (Norma) Bartholomew; and his sister-in-law, Jo Bartholomew, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert A. and Gertrude Bartholomew; his in-laws, Bill and Catherine Shrum; his brother, Curt Bartholomew; his sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and Jimmy Rupert; his brother-in-law, Oley Jacobsen; and his son-in-law, Cam Loper.

A celebration of K.C.’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 28, at Rosenau Funeral Home. A viewing will be held from 6:00–8:00 p.m. Thursday, August 27 and one hour before the service on Friday, at Rosenau Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in honor of Kenneth Bartholomew to the University of Utah hospital , or your favorite youth sports organization.  

University of Utah Donation Link