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In memory of

Kaye Hartman

Van Buren, Indiana

March 9, 1942 - July 7, 2019

Mar 9, 1942 - Jul 7, 2019

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(Julie) Kaye Hartman, 77, passed into Jesus’ arms in the early morning hours on July 7, 2019, holding her daughters’ hands. Born in Bluffton, IN, on March 9, 1942, Kaye is preceded in death by parents Esther (Steiner) Friar & Joseph Hartnett; step-father Olin Friar; sister Rita Byer, Heaven-born granddaughter Hannah (Walworth); many dogs, cats and birds. She is survived by her two daughters, Lisa and Lori Anderson (Walworth); sister Anne Schoeff; brother-in-law Leon Byer; grandchildren Lila and Sam Walworth; step-daughter Connie Freshwater; many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors; and BFF Pam Daugherty.

Kaye graduated from Allen High School in 1960 and worked in food service for many decades, serving up kindness, great food and an outstanding work ethic to all her customers. She began at the Chatterbox in Bluffton while in high school. After staying home to raise her two daughters, she went back to work at a neighbor-owned grill off I-69 and 18. She spent many years at the cafeteria at Marion’s GM plant, aka Fisher Body.

Kaye worked hard her whole life, leaving those much younger and healthier in awe. “You can do anything for 15 minutes” was one of her favorite sayings. “I’m a tough ol’ bird” was another. She lived those ideals out to the end of her short battle with lung cancer, emphysema and the COPD that ultimately took her. She was honest, caring and giving, loyal and generous to a fault, and so courageous. She was a strong believer in justice and accountability and wasn’t afraid to call you out if you stepped out of line. She loved her pets, daisies, hummingbirds, Wendy’s chili, any pizza, wind chimes, jigsaw puzzles, Dr Phil, Lila’s smile and Sam’s hair. She was fiercely devoted to her neighbors, friends and family, especially her daughters. No words can express the dark void her absence has left in many hearts and lives. (Love you, Mommy.)

A casual memorial service will be held Saturday, November 16, at 3 pm, at the Van Buren Church of the Nazarene, 305 S. 1st St, Van Buren, IN. Dinner will follow immediately following service.

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In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to Best Friends Animal Society.

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