Rita Sophia Bartleson, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed peacefully into eternal life at the age of 95.

Born in Freeport, Minnesota, Rita was the daughter of the late John and Agnes Bohnen. She moved to California at the age of 20, where she later met and married the love of her life, Jim Bartleson, in 1957. Together they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and service to others.

Rita devoted her life to caring for people. She worked as a hairdresser in nursing homes, co-owned Belle’s Pub and Diner in Laguna Niguel with her husband, and later served for many years at Villa Valencia Senior Living, where she was deeply loved by residents and coworkers alike.

A devoted Catholic and longtime parishioner of St. Timothy Catholic Church, Rita lived her faith quietly and faithfully through daily prayer, kindness, hospitality, and love for her family and friends. She had a rare gift of making people feel truly seen and valued. When she was with you, she was fully present, giving her full attention, gentle spirit, and genuine love to everyone around her.

Rita is survived by her children Kelly Zuver, Todd Bartleson, and Erin Simard and her husband Chris Simard; grandchildren Kaley Zuver, Katherine Simard, and Luke Simard; great-granddaughter Sawyer; brother Marvin Bohnen; and sister Helen Cunningham.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jim Bartleson; sisters Carol Welle, Alice Hoppe, and Vicky Sirois; brother “Jack” John Bohnen; and stepbrothers Vernon and Alquin Bohnen and stepsister Dorothy Bohnen.

Rita will be remembered for her gentle spirit, unwavering faith, warm hospitality, and the way she made everyone feel deeply loved and cared for.

May she rest in the peace of Christ and rejoice forever in the presence of Jesus and Mary.