Mary L. Hartzler

Mary Louise Hartzler, 95, of Rushville, passed away November 17, 2023, in Rushville. Mary was born November 8, 1928, on a farm in Gings, Indiana, to Anthony and Lena (Wench) Hood. She was a 1946 graduate of Mays High School at the top of her class. After high school, she worked as a waitress in the City Restaurant in Rushville, fell in love and married John (Jake) Hartzler. They immediately started a family, and she was a stay at home housewife until John had the first of many heart attacks. She then became Deputy Clerk Treasurer for the City of Rushville in 1962. In 1968, she accepted her dream job as Secretary to the Principal at Rushville High School where she would spend the next 30 years. One of her proudest moments was passing out the diplomas to the graduating seniors. All who passed through Rushville High School fondly remembered and loved Mary’s intense work ethic and smiling face. Mary often said she loved her job so much, she would do it “even if they didn’t pay me”. While working, Mary earned a distinguished honor, The Athena Award, for her community service. Mary was an avid bowler well into her 80’s and traveled to tournaments out of town to compete. Mary also belonged to a home economics club, The Hint Hunters, for over 65 years, hosting at her home once a year. She was also a member of the Business Professional Women’s Association for 30 years. She was a member of St. Paul’s Methodist Church and taught Sunday school for over 40 years. She filled in at the church office whenever someone was sick or needed time off. After retiring from the high school at age 69, every Friday she would obtain the hymn numbers, sermon title and scriptures and carefully type the bulletin and join the other ladies to assemble the program for Sunday. She also did bookkeeping for Carlton Truck Accessories until her eyesight precluded her ability to post the ledger entries. Her greatest joy was to attend sporting events and activities of the 3 grandchildren, and then her 5 great-grandchildren. Being a grandparent was her crowning achievement and brought her the greatest joy, and she always enjoyed buying “Colts” paraphernalia for Christmas gifts. She also planned a craft to be done with the great-grandchildren at Thanksgiving to give to nursing home residents for Christmas gifts. She and John would often travel to Minnesota with their good friends, the Payne’s, for fishing getaways. Every summer, she would plant gorgeous inpatiens that mounded the foundation of her shaded yard on Benjamin Street; they were showstoppers. She will be missed by her son, William Hartzler, Fishers; her son, Jack Hartzler, Rushville; her daughter, Carol (Walter) Osterburg, Greenwood; her brothers, Roman and Eddie Hood, Rushville; her sister, Roberta Rebiskie, Kansas; her grandchildren, Melinda (Chris) Bundy, Brookville; Michael Hartzler, Franklin; Jacque (Benjie) Cregar, Greenwood; her great-grandchildren, Landon Bundy, Adrienne Bundy, Meredith Bundy, Madeline Cregar, Mallory Cregar, step-grandson, Matt (Allison) Osterburg, Indianapolis, and step-great-grandson, Nicolas (Faith), Indianapolis. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two sisters, Alice and Patricia; her brother, Joseph, and her daughter-in-law, Deborah. Services for Mary will be held at the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Rushville, Indiana, Saturday, November 25, at noon with Pastor Lonnie Goen presiding. Friends are welcome to visit the family before the service, 10:30 to noon. Burial will be in Rushville’s East Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Rushville, Indiana.

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Mary L. Hartzler

November 8, 1928 - November 17, 2023