Maria Jessie Abarquez

Maria Jessie Abarquez passed away on Wednesday, September 26, 2018. She was born on April 30, 1971 in Bakersfield, CA to Jesus Banda Reyes and Evangelina Gaytan Cortez. She grew up in Lamont where she attended local schools and then went on to graduate from Arvin High School in 1989. Maria was a strong person who never gave up on anything or anyone, no matter the situation. She will always hold a special place in the hearts of everyone that she met and touched.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jesus Banda Reyes and Evangelina Gaytan Cortez; sisters, Carol Ann Gutierrez and Evangelina Cortez; brother in laws, Martin Garcia and Steve Nieto. She leaves to cherish her memory husband, Robert Abarquez; daughters, Melanie Martinez, Evangelina Martinez and son in law Ruben Velarde, Rylee Abarquez, Yvonne and son in law Celestino Rodriguez, Angel and son in law Mike Muratalla, Cherie and son in law Beto Torres, Aubrey Abarquez, Mariza and wife Percilla Abarquez and Andrea Abarquez; Step-Mother, Teddy Nibbles; four brothers, Joe Cortez, David Cortez, Gilbert Garcia and Jesse Banda; one sister Kathy Nieto Cortez; twenty grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews other relatives and friends; and her faithful companion Mia.

A Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. at Basham Funeral Care (3312 Niles St. Bakersfield, Ca 93306).