Belva Leona Hartley

Belva Leona Hartley, 95, of Columbia City, Ind., left her earthly home on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, surrounded by family, to reunite with her loved ones and favorite fishing partner Hank. Born January 22, 1928, in Marion, Ind., she was a daughter of the late William and Iva Marie (Butterfield) Turner.  Leona grew up in Marion where she attended Marion High School.

On September 13, 1947, she married Herschel "Hank" Hartley, and together they raised 3 daughters. In 1963, the family moved to South Whitley where she continued to live until 1995 when she moved to Columbia City.  In addition to being a devoted wife, mother and homemaker Leona assisted her husband in the family operated business, Hank Hartley's Body Shop, as the firm's bookkeeper.  She was a member of South Whitley Church of God and also attended the Columbia City Nazarene Church.

Leona loved spending time in the kitchen teaching her grandchildren her secret recipes and putting on family dinners. She also enjoyed sewing and crocheting, making items for her family with special signature tags.

She was known by many different names: mom, sissy, gramcracker, grammie, tiny Grandma, white haired grandma, along with many others. She is survived by her daughter, Judy Kern; 10 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; four great great grandchildren; son-in-law, Don Johnston; sister, Jane (Donald) Davis, brothers, Mike (Linda) Turner, and Darl (Connie) Turner.  As well as many nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband, Herschel "Hank" Hartley; daughters, Jean Penn, and Nancy Johnston; son-in-law Greg Kern, Sr.; brothers, James (Helen) Turner, Charles Turner, and twins Bobby & Billy Turner.

She will be remembered for her spunky spirit, unwavering devotion to her family, and her commitment to sharing God's love with all those around her.

Visitation will be 11:00 am to 12:00 pm on Monday, January 8, 2024, with a Funeral Service at 12:00 pm, at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Burial will take place at South Whitley Cemetery. Memorial donations may be given in memory to American Cancer Society.  Visit www.DeMoneyGrimes.com to send Leona's family online condolences or sign the online guest book.