Marsha Sandra Barnett

On July 29, 2013, Marsha Sandra Barnett answered the call to return home due to the effects and complications of long-tern Diabetes. She began her life’s journey on December 29, 1945 in Bakersfield, CA with parents Clora and Myles Frakes and big sister, Maureen. She attended local schools and graduated from East Bakersfield High School. When Marsha and Mo were very young, their mother was diagnosed with TB and sent to a hospital in Tehachapi for an extended amount of time. How hard it must have been for two little girls to know where their mother was, but not get the daily love that they missed so very much. Marsha claimed she spent most of the time her Mom was gone staying away from the watchful eye and always present switch of caretaker, Little Granny Frakes! When Marsha was 10 years old, she was diagnosed with type 1 Diabetes and life as she knew it was forever changed. At first, she would go to a neighbor’s who was an RN to receive her shots, but Marsha’s strength and determination to take control of her disease began, and she learned how to administer her own insulin and manage her diet. That discipline remained throughout her whole life and she should be an inspiration to all who fight this debilitation disease. Then Marsha was 13, younger sister Monica was born to completer the family.

Never on to sit back and feel sorry for herself, Marsha worked hard at various jobs, She lived and worked on a hose ranch riding and caring for paint horses, was a vet tech for Dr. Zachary, received her certification in Phlebotomy, and clerked at a feed store. She would often joke that the hardest job she ever had was working at Smith’s Bakery, and understandably so! Marsha was also an excellent cook and homemaker. Her life-long love of animals was known to all. She was never without a dog to keep her company, care for, and love.

Marsha was predeceased by her parents and sister, Maureen Cunningham. Those left behind to mourn her loss are son, Stanley Barnett of Arkansas; grandchildren, Missy, Kevin and Sandra; sister Monica Garcia; nieces, Stephanie and Miriam; nephews, Keith and Christopher; and long-time companion, Bob (Bubba) Koelzer. Also dear to Marsha’s heart were best girlfriends, “Aunt” Marie Sampson, Karen Hendricks, and Gwen. Marsha was also loved, and will be missed, by bob’s extended family. Rest in peace, Marsha. May you know that your family and friends derive great comfort in believing that our body is once again whole and free from disease.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, August 9, 2013, 10:00 AM, at Union Cemetery, 730 E. Potomac Ave., Bakersfield, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Procare Hospice, 4800 Easton Dr. #104, Bakersfield, CA 93309; or Marley’s Mutts at 661-821-1327.