Peggy L. Hartley
Peggy Louise Parker (McConnell) Hartley, a kind, caring and generous lady loved by many, died unexpectedly on January 29, 2019 at the age of 85. Born September 24, 1933 in Charlotte, MI to Robert and Kathleen (Johnson) Parker, Peggy married her first love, Max McConnell, at the age of 17 on her father’s 35th birthday. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1952, and Peggy and her husband farmed with his parents. They were a very busy family – all working together, proud and happy. Peggy enjoyed family times at Houghton Lake, as well as trips with her husband to Las Vegas.
After Max passed away, Peggy married Richard “Butch” Hartley and they continued the tradition of trips to Las Vegas. Butch and Peggy bought a Motel in Ludington and moved there in 1987. In 1993 they sold the motel and moved into a new home, with a basement big enough to hold all 52 of their family members in the basement for gatherings, and Peggy’s mother moved in with them so Peggy could care for her.
Peggy always had so much love to share with those around her. She was very proud of her family, and loved family gatherings and cooking “The Best” homemade chicken pot pie, beef and noodles, and swiss steak that everyone enjoyed. She was also a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. Fishing, playing cards, dominos, and games with her family were some of her favorite things to do.
Peggy is survived by her husband, Richard “Butch” Hartley; children, Randy (Karen Morehouse) McConnell, Debbie (Robert) Kinney, Jim McConnell, Denise (Mark) Williams, and Kent (Carrie) McConnell; step-children, Rick (Shelley) Hartley, and Leasa Stornant; 22 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her first husband, Max McConnell in 1983.
Friends are encouraged to support Peggy’s family at visitation and memorial services. Memorial services are Saturday, February 2, at 1 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Visitation was held Friday, February 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Area Senior Center in Charlotte or Jean Bradford Kline Senior Center in Eaton Rapids.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Peggy on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.