Ann Berdine Barnett

A memorial service will be held for Ann Berdine Barnett 11:30 AM June 9, 2013 at St. Marks Methodist Church 1510 McCray St. Bakersfield, CA. Ann was born September 19, 1936 and was called home May 30, 2013.

Ann was born in Scotts Bluff, NE to Orvil and Irene Cecil. She lived on the family farm with her parents and older sister Betty until she was six years old. In 1942 the family moved to California and settled in the Los Angeles area where she later met the love of her life Robert (Bob) Barnett. Bob and Ann were married June 26, 1954 in Compton, CA. Their love blossomed into three children Craig, Curt and Carol. In 1967 Ann’s young family moved to Bakersfield, CA where Bob built her a lovely home to raise her children and spend the next 46 years loving and caring for her husband and family.

Ann was a member of the St. Marks and Shafter Methodist congregations her entire time in Bakersfield. She was active in the church and contributed many hours serving wherever she was needed. Her Christian faith and devotion to Christ was an inspiration to many.

Ann enrolled in a teaching program at California State University Bakersfield in 1981, and graduated in 1986. She taught first and second grade at Pioneer Drive Elementary School for 10 years. Ann loved the children she taught. She brought the same care and compassion she had raising her own family to her students. Ann was recognized by the Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce with the Outstanding Teacher Hall of Fame award in 1993, and the Outstanding Work With Children award in 1997. Ann was also recognized by the Bakersfield Elementary Teachers Association for her accomplishments in education.

Ann is survived by her loving husband Bob, her sister Betty Clark of Bakersfield, her children and their families, Craig & Teresa Barnett of Bakersfield, Curt & Ramona Barnett of Posey, CA, and Carol & Marty Leeson of Elgin, IL. Ann also leaves behind her grandchildren Krista Puckett, Tracy Barnett, Kenny Barnett and Kandi Cummins, all of Bakersfield, and Kevin and John Leeson of Elgin, IL. Her great-grandchildren Drew, Derek and Jewel will cherish their memories of Grandma Barnett.

Ann made everyone she met grateful to be her friend. She will be remembered in the hearts of all the people whose lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to the “Ann Barnett Memorial Fund” by sending checks payable to “KSFCU-31163” to any Kern Schools Federal Credit Union branch. These funds will provide badly needed books for the Pioneer Drive Elementary School Library.