Judy Pierson Hartley 1952~2007

PIERSON, HARTLEY, ALLMAN, GOWDY

Posted By: Mary (email)
Date: 5/19/2008 at 22:43:32

Judy Hartley, 54, Ottumwa
Courtesy of the Ottumwa Courier May 17, 2007

— OTTUMWA ? Judy Kay Hartley was born on May 17, 1952 in Ottumwa, Iowa to Ruth Allman and Gerald Pierson (deceased).

She had three brothers, Gerald Pierson Jr., Larry Pierson, and Jeff Pierson. Ruth re-married to Earl Allman when Judy was very young and he was a wonderful stepfather and eventual grandfather. The union added four step siblings to the family, Kermit, Melvan, Vicky and Becky.

She was a graduate of Ottumwa High School in 1970 (Truth and Honor hold they we?re the class of 70). Soon after graduation she married the love of her life, Glen Melvan Hartley on June 26th. They moved to Yukon, Okla. where they bought their first home and had their first of two daughters, Misty Gayle Gowdy in December of 1974.

After a layoff from Honeywell the family moved to Colorado where Glen started a new career with StorageTek. They purchased their second home and brought their second daughter, Wendy Elizabeth Hartley, into the world in September of 1978.
Judy ran the household and raised her children for many years. Picnics, field trips, childcare and car pools consumed much of her time until she started working again. Judy held many jobs, manager at McDonalds, front office for a chiropractor and AAA Optical and Hearing. Judy was the MVP of the Hartley team taking care of everyone, planning holidays and celebrations, and coordinating vacations. She enjoyed reading, bingo, garage sales, camping, boating, and flower gardens.

Judy started attending North Metro Church in 1997 following the marriage of daughter, Misty; and son-in-law, Aaron Keith Gowdy which took place in the church. She enjoyed participating in special events, attending groups and volunteering in the Children's Church and Sunday School programs. In 2002 Judy celebrated her 50th birthday in the 50th state, Hawaii, which was a long awaited dream. She returned home to receive her first of two beloved grandsons into the world, Dathan and Glen Hartley. The following summer she was blessed with a second grandson, Wesley James Gowdy. She spent her last five years caring for her grandsons and getting them back and forth to pre-school programs.
On May 13, 2007, Mother's Day, Judy lost her battle with pancreatic cancer after suffering two strokes and joined our Savior in heaven for all eternity.

She is survived by husband, Glen Melvan Hartley; mother, Ruth Allman; brothers, Gerald Pierson Jr., Larry Pierson and Jeff Pierson; daughters, Wendy Hartley and Misty Gowdy; son-in-law, Aaron Keith Gowdy; grandsons, Dathan Glen Hartley and Wesley James Gowdy and many other extended family members including her mother-in-law, Shirley Hartley; sister-in-law, Anita Morgan; brother-in-law, Denis Hartley; and many nieces and nephews as well as close family friends and fellow church members.
The family would like to thank all those who have offered their love and support, kindness and service, and thoughts and prayers in this very difficult time. While this may be a sad time for those who remain, she is celebrating the after life in the glory of God.

Graveside services and burial will be 1 p.m. Friday at the Blakesburg Cemetery with Rev. Jesse Elkins officiating.
Family visitation will begin at 11 a.m. Friday at Reece Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her name to the American Cancer Society or to North Metro Church.