Geraldine Ann Bartenstein

Geraldine Ann Bartenstein, 96, born July 10, 1929, joined her awaiting family in Heaven on February 11, 2026. Jeri, as she was known by her friends, lived a fulfilling vibrant life which she never shied away from sharing. Jeri was born to Charlie Benham and Myrtle Fuller in Oklahoma and was raised in San Pedro, CA, where she graduated from San Pedro High School. Jeri married Daniel Reginald Placentia in 1947 before moving to Bakersfield, CA, where she and Daniel welcomed Shelly Kathleen in 1952, and Nicholas "Nick" in 1956. Jeri was married for 18 years before finding herself a single mother and provider of her two young children. Those early years bonded Jeri to her children and shaped her drive and determination for the rest of her life.

Tragedy came early as if the children's nursery rhyme verse "Wednesday's child is full of woe" held true meaning when Jeri lost Nick from a drowning accident in 1975. Through Nick's death Jeri formed new lifelong friends who, over time, she would refer to as her children. Shelly, after a brief illness, joined Nick in eternal life in 2022 which through her death served to strengthen Jeri's bonds with her extended family.

Jeri became a fixture at Westchester Bowl beginning work there on its opening day in 1959 until she retired in 1987 to marry William Fitzhugh Bartenstein, "Bart". Jeri and Bart enjoyed sharing their time with their many friends between their homes in Bakersfield and Arroyo Grande until Bart's death in 1998. Jeri's love for Bart well after his death never diminished for Bart was a special person with gentle qualities that tempered Jeri's spirited nature just a bit. Jeri loved her bowling, poker parties, a good meal with a margarita, the LA Dodgers, Rams, and Lakers, and her hair done every Wednesday. Jeri was apprehensive upon reaching the age 94, as that was the age her mother Myrtle died. After passing that milestone at age 95 she was determined to renew her driver's license for another 5 years which she did.

Jeri was a voracious reader of novels of all sorts, especially love stories, who in her later years turned to the Hallmark TV Channel love stories for enjoyment. Jeri was quick witted, easily navigated through iPhones and iPads, made sure any deal or transaction she undertook was a good one while remaining mentally sharp until her death. If people wanted to remember something, they'd be wise to tell it to Jeri so she could refresh their memory.

Jeri is survived by her special family George and Jenny Rabey of Fresno, Eric Rabey of Fresno, and Kelly Lucas of Bakersfield, by Ellie her dog, and by her special caregivers that lovingly tended to Jeri for the past 4 years whether Jeri agreed she needed assistance or not.

Services are scheduled for 10:30AM, Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at Greenlawn Southwest, 2739 Panama Lane, Bakersfield, CA, 93313, Main Chapel, Red Brick Building.