Ann Esther Hartley

Ann Esther Hartley was 77 years old when she passed away on October 1, 2026. Beloved sister, aunt, wife, mother and grandmother, survived by husband of 57 years, John Hartley, her children, Aaron Hartley (Ruiling), Melanie Hartley, Jordan Hartley and grandchildren Penelope Hartley, Isabelle Hartley, and Max Hartley. Aunt Ann to over 20 nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother Marguerite Wyckoff and siblings Robert Bangham, Fay Delaforce, and twin brother Richard 'Dick' Bangham.

Born in Northville, Michigan on June 12th 1949, raised in South Lion & Ann Arbor, Michigan by a single mother with Ann & Dick as the youngest of five. Growing up with little means and many struggles, the siblings were taught to be resourceful, learning the value of hard work and cooperation. Ann began her search for a relationship with God at a young age upon reading his name Jehovah at Psalms 83:18. She grew to love what she learned about God's purposes for the earth to be a peaceful paradise (Ps 37:10,11,29) and for the dead to be resurrected (Acts 24:15) taught by a faithful minister, Matie LaMotte. Later, as a surrogate father, he also gave her away at her wedding. At age 11 in 1961 Ann was baptized, becoming one of Jehovah's Witnesses. Determined to fulfill her vows, Ann pioneered several years and became skilled in the art of teaching. She had the joy of assisting several others to come to know Jehovah God and join the congregation.

Trained in secretarial/business classes in South Lion High School, Ann utilized and built upon these skills throughout her life. After graduating high school in 1966 she enjoyed employment at U of M. Upon marriage to John in 1969 she moved to Toledo, OH where she obtained part-time office work doing accounting & payroll to support her love of full-time ministry for several years. After having three children, her industrious nature led her to starting her own cleaning business and assisting others to do likewise. She lovingly pursued these laborious endeavors, for the flexible scheduling to assist in providing for her family while juggling the many tasks of mother, wife & bible teacher. Once her children were in school full-time, Ann advanced her skills to become an executive secretary at multiple public, private, and charitable organizations. Undaunted when facing challenges, she would find a book to guide her to learn new methods and skills to surmount obstacles, be it new office skills or home repair.

Throughout her Christian Congregation and family, Ann was known as hospitable, generous, insightful and diligently productive. Upon an invite to her home those who knew her were prepared to be well fed and entertained with games & animated conversation. Her success with many projects from sewing, cooking, interior design, household management and problem-solving had much to do with her creativity and organizational skills. Ann's love of intellectual pursuits was exercised through researching bible topics, reading & watching mysteries, playing cards, chess and word puzzles. She derived much joy from cuddling & feeding beloved dogs: Blanca, Riley & Carla. Ann took much pride in her motherly roles cherishing time spent with family. Her family and many friends miss her dearly and will remember Ann's crystal blue eyes and welcoming demeanor fondly. Ever industrious, she followed the advice at Eccl 9:10 "All that your hand finds to do, do with your very power". In her final years she was consoled by her faith in Jesus' promise of a future where she could be in perfect health and enjoy life everlasting in a paradise on earth with family and loved ones again. (Luke 23:43; Isaiah 33:24)