Carolyn Ann (Hildreth) Bartleson
March 31, 1939 – February 24, 2025
Share Obituary:
Carolyn Ann (Hildreth) Bartleson (85) was born in Ponca City, OK on March 31, 1939 and passed away in Gilbert, AZ on February 24, 2025. Carolyn moved to Delano, CA in 1963 to teach P.E. at Delano High School. She met her husband James Bartleson, a science teacher, in 1964. They loved adventure and would often go to Morro Bay or Catalina Island to scuba dive, clam, and fish. They eloped in November of 1974 where James’s father married them. During their 53 year marriage, they opened their home up to many people. Carolyn had a compassionate heart and tried to help anyone who needed it. During the 80’s to the early 90’s, Carolyn was the swim coach at Delano High School, which would become like an extended family. Through the years, she would always try to make life easier and happier for family friends, and students. Carolyn always tried to lighten the pressure with her antics. She loved animals and enjoyed taking care of them through her later years in life. She could also always be found working in the yard!
Carolyn’s parents Mabel and Elmer Hildreth, her sister Margaret Churchill, and her niece Anne (Bartleson) LaMusga preceded her in death.
Carolyn had one daughter, Kathleen Coleman (Atwood). She had three grandchildren, Savannah Houston (Bryce), Alysoune Hardin (Austin), and Sebastian Coleman. After Carolyn retired, she spent half the year enjoying her grandchildren. Carolyn also had many nieces and nephews that she considered one of her own. Many of them also lived in Delano at one time or other. She is known as Aunt Carolyn to Paul Meltzer (Nanette), Mike Bartleson (Wendy), Mark Bartleson (Misty), Christine Moreno (Pete), Marie Krebsbach (Joe), Johnny Bartleson (Leslie), Richard Bartleson (Michele), Charlie Bartleson (Christina).
Carolyn also adopted Susana Perez Susanna Lucio and Rachele Lucio Alcantar-Serna into her family.
Celebration of life to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please donate Delano Animal Shelter or Humane Society.
-
Rachele Alcantar says: RIP Mom! Gone but never forgotten. I’ll never forget the lessons you taught me. I apply them in everyday life.
-
Catherine Flores says:
Kathleen, Atwood and family, my condolences. Kathy your mom was a precious individual. I was glad to have met her when she was in town. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sorry for your loss.
Rachele Alcantar 
Catherine Flores
RIP Mom! Gone but never forgotten. I’ll never forget the lessons you taught me. I apply them in everyday life.
Kathleen, Atwood and family, my condolences. Kathy your mom was a precious individual. I was glad to have met her when she was in town. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sorry for your loss.