Marguerite Ann Bentz

Margie passed away peacefully on August 20, 2026 after a brief illness in the wonderful care at Hoffmann Hospice Home. Services will be on August 27, 2026 at St. Francis Church beginning with Rosary at 9:30am followed by Requiem Mass at 10am. Interment will be at Union Cemetery.

Margie was born in Bakersfield on June 7, 1938 to Italian immigrants Vincent and Anna Garrone. She grew up on a small farm in the Greenfield area which cultivated her love for gardening and animals. She graduated in the Class of 1956 from Bakersfield High School.

Margie worked as a secretary for 40 years for the Kern County Superintendent of Schools. She made many dear, lifelong friends there. One of her favorite assignments was working for the Camp KEEP program. She would have long phone conversations with many of her former co-workers and several dear friends until she passed.

She lived in the NE part of Bakersfield for many years. She cared for her father and mother there until their passings. She moved to Kern City in 2015. Her Kern City home was beautifully decorated with antiques gathered from estate sales and second hand stores. She had great decorating taste and an eye for a good bargain. She loved refinishing furniture and doing crafts.

Margie’s only sibling was her older sister Josephine Del Papa. She and Jo spent a lot of time together and were very close. She took great care of Jo until Jo’s passing in 2021. She traveled to Italy with her mother in 1972 to meet her wonderful Italian relatives. Margie was very loving and generous to her nephews and their families. Her presents were always beautifully wrapped. She will always be cherished for her kindness, humility, and generosity.

Margie was always very petite and ‘picked’ instead of ate. But she loved coffee and her sweets, especially panettone. She also loved Smith’s Bakery pastries. She baked the best biscotti which were always a special treat at Christmas.

Margie’s special friend of 23 years, Bob Muxlow, predeceased her in 2007. She and Bob had many wonderful times together. She loved Bob’s children Bill, Mike, Chris, Denise and Cathy. She was especially close to Denise who regularly visited her when Denise came to Bakersfield.

Margie was preceded in death by her parents Vincent and Anna Garrone and her sister Josephine Del Papa. She is survived by her nephews Mark (Mindy), Stan, and Steve (Birdie) Del Papa; grand-nephews Robert, Vincent (Jackie), and David Del Papa; grand-nieces Andria (Jeff) Destefani and Danielle Del Papa; and great grand-nieces and nephew Giuliana and Giacomo Destefani and baby Josephine Del Papa.

In her later years, she had wonderful caregivers who became her friends. We are especially thankful for Drema Duncan and the late Sheila Gray.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to an animal related charity.