Nancy J. Hartman

Nancy J. Hartman passed away at home with her loving daughter Susan at her side on December 26, 2025, at 8am.

Nancy was born in Bicknell, Indiana, September 11, 1933, to D.L. Kelley and Georgina LaMorthe Kelley Maurizard. She was their only child and the apple of their eye. Several years after the death of her father (at age 57), her mother was re-married to a childhood friend from the French community of Bicknell, Rene Maurizard, who was loved dearly by his inherited family.

Nancy graduated from Bicknell High School in 1951 and later attended Indiana Business School in Vincennes, Indiana. In September of 1951, Nancy was singing in the Bicknell Methodist Church Choir when the new teacher/coach at Bicknell High School spotted her there. With some due diligence, he found out her dad ran the local dry cleaners, so he soon became a customer. After he won over his future father-in-law, he finally asked Nancy out on a date in December. After that, things sped up as they were engaged in February and married on April 9th, 1952. They would be together for more than 69 years thereafter! Sports was central to the Hartman family and, during those 69 years alongside Jim, she was a devoted coach’s wife and an avid sports fan, remaining a lifelong supporter of the Sullivan Golden Arrows and Indiana State Sycamores.

In 1954, the Hartmans moved to Sullivan, Indiana, which would be their forever home. They also moved their church membership to Sullivan First United Methodist Church, which would become a constant in their lives.

Prior to their move, their first daughter, Susan, was born in June 1953. Their second daughter, Karen, was born in April 1957. An unimaginable family tragedy struck 7 years later when Karen was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma Bone Cancer in 1964. Karen succumbed to the disease on October 2, 1965.

Nancy’s career began in the Sullivan High School principal’s office, where she worked for 5 years before becoming a secretary to the principal at Central Elementary School in Sullivan for the next 12 years. She then worked for the REMC in Sullivan for the next 20 years. Nancy was a valued employee and found life-long friends in every work setting. After her retirement from the REMC in 1996, she was asked to be the Travel Hostess at the First Bank and Trust in Sullivan. For the next 15 years, Nancy and Jim traveled the world. Nancy was the hostess and Jim was the self-proclaimed baggage boy! It was a great time in their lives and so well deserved. While living in Sullivan, Nancy was a member of the Tri Kappa Sorority and served a time as the chapter president. She volunteered at the Sullivan County Community Hospital in her retirement. Nancy was always active in church activities and endeavors. She was an integral member of the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Committee until her death…..and she loved all of the Fellowship Committee members dearly.

Nancy is survived by her daughter, Susan, her grandson, James M. Doty, and his wife, Elizabeth, her great-granddaughter, Eleanor “Nelle” Michael Doty, and her great- grandson, Brooks Hartman Doty. In addition, she leaves behind much loved nieces, Anne Lynk (late husband Gary), Claudia Doan (late husband Ivan), Kathy Eliopaulos and her husband Chris, Sherry Hartman and her husband Ron Burr, and many loving great-nieces and nephews and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents, step-father, the love of her life, Jim Hartman, her daughter, Karen, whom she waited 60 years to see again, her so-called favorite son-in-law, Michael D. Doty, and many lifelong friends. It is often said that “the longer you live, the more of a vested interest you have in Heaven.” Nancy had a considerable vested interest.

Funeral services will be Sunday, January 4, at the First United Methodist Church in Sullivan. Visitation is at 1:00pm with services to follow at 2:30pm and a reception in the church annex after the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the following: Sullivan County Community Foundation, The Sullivan County Humane Society, the First United Methodist Church or a church/charity of your choice.