Christine Gaye Bartleson

Christine Gaye Bartleson, 66, of Bethlehem, passed away on July 11, 2026. Born in East Stroudsburg, she was the daughter of Jennie Shafer Snyder and Terry Bartleson.

Chris earned a bachelor's degree at University of North Carolina Greensboro and was an urban planner for many years. She was an active and passionate member of the Bethlehem CO-OP Market and a devoted advocate for animal welfare, generously supporting animal shelters and opening her heart and home to adopted dogs. Chris was also an avid horseback rider and hiker, feeling most at home in nature's quiet places where she found strength and serenity. Chris was also a devout Buddhist Zen practitioner and volunteer for the Great Tree Zen Women's Center, a residential practice center for women near Ashville, N.C.

Chris' free spirit and kind, loving heart will be missed. Surviving is her husband, Charles Lentz, her sisters, Shelley Silfies and Stephanie Diecidue, and her stepmother, Edith Bartleson.

Memorial services will be held privately. Donations in Chris' honor can be made to Lehigh Valley Humane Society, 640 Dixon Street, Allentown, PA 18103. 610-797-1205.

Her loving way and her caring heart will always be missed.