Virginia Deane Bartley, 95, of Santa Paula, CA, passed away April 29, 2016 surrounded by loving family. Born December 10, 1920 in Livingston TN, she moved to Santa Paula in 1928 where she attended school, graduating from Santa Paula High School in 1939. She received an Associate of Arts degree from Ventura College in 1941. Virginia loved music and became an accomplished accordionist, playing in local musical groups during her high school and college years. In 1943, Virginia married fellow Santa Paula H.S. classmate Leo Bartley. They embarked on a lifetime of adventure during their 72 years of marriage. Virginia and Leo especially enjoyed living in Jakarta, Indonesia in 1976, immersing themselves in the local life and culture.
Throughout the years, in addition to housewife and mother, Virginia was particularly fond of her position as secretary in Holloman Air Force Base’s rocket sled program.
Following numerous moves and adventures, Virginia and Leo returned to Santa Paula in 1985. Virginia became involved in many local social activities and organizations, including Ebell Club and Lunch Bunch. In 1997, Virginia and Leo were named Alumni of the Year for Santa Paula H.S.
Devoted wife and loving mother, Virginia will be missed by family and friends. Virginia was predeceased by her infant son Sherman Terry Bartley, brother, John Thomas Bailey, and son-in-law Miles Edmund Groves. She is survived by her husband Leo Sherman Bartley, daughters, Cynthia Bartley (Joseph Quintana), Joyce Bartley (Andrew Macias), both of Albuquerque, NM; and twins, son Kenneth Bartley (Mary) of Woodbridge, VA, and daughter Carol Groves of Washington DC. She is also survived by her granddaughter Melodie Rak (Joseph), great-granddaughters Lilah and Annabelle Rak all of New Fairfield, CT; grandson, Travis Quintana (Christina) of Albuquerque, NM; sister-in-law, Dona Bailey of Camarillo, CA; cousin, Mary Alice Williams of Bellflower, CA; and numerous other cousins, nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank all caregivers who have supported Virginia and her family over the past four years, especially Maria Hernandez and her family, whose care and support allowed Virginia to remain in her home.
Graveside services will be held on Thursday, May 5, 11:00 a.m. at Santa Paula Cemetery.
