Frances Mae Hartman

Frances Mae (Farrie) Hartman, 98 of Lewistown, Pa, died on Tuesday evening, January 7, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.

Frances was born on February 5, 1926 in Hagerstown, Md., the daughter of Michael and Marguerite (Drury) Farrie. A 1944 graduate of Saint Mary Catholic School, Fran married John W. (Bill) Hartman in 1947, raising two children, Michael and Brenda. Bill’s work for the Glick Shoes company meant opening new stores across Pennsylvania, which took the family from Hagerstown to several locations, finally settling in Lewistown in 1964.

Motivated by a deep faith and a desire to follow Jesus’s example of service, Fran volunteered countless hours in Lewistown with a handful of organizations. Most important to her was Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, where she was a parishioner for 60+ years, lector and Eucharistic Minister. Helping with an annual toy drive for families at Christmas time was a favorite activity. Fran was also a longtime member of the Mifflin County Round Table of Christians and Jews, and was awarded their Brotherhood Citation. She was also very active with the Lewistown Hospital Auxiliary, serving as president of the auxiliary five times. Other organizations Fran was active in included the Lewistown Women’s Club, the Lewistown Country Club and the local Red Cross chapter.

Fran’s family and friends will remember her as a spirited but gentle, kind, fun and loving friend to all. She loved nothing more than to be with her family laughing and sharing memories. Remaining to cherish Fran’s memory are her children Brenda Kauffman and Michael (Sandy) Hartman; grandchildren Gerald (Heather) Kauffman, Bethany (Jim) Stanton, Tana (William) Gunnett, Fred (Kristin) Hartman, and John Hartman; 10 great-grandchildren Luke Kauffman, Jacob Kauffman, Ellie Gunnett, James Stanton, Andrew Stanton, Thomas Stanton, William Gunnett, Will Hartman, Connor Hartman, and Quinn Hartman; and 3 great-great-grandchildren Caden, Bristol and Rylin Kauffman. There wasn’t much in life that Fran enjoyed more than being surrounded by this family.

In addition to her parents, Fran was preceded in death by her husband Bill Hartman; her beloved sisters Elizabeth Steinmetz and Josephine Obitts; son-in-law Gerald Kauffman; and infant grandson Anthony Kauffman.

A private funeral mass and interment will be held for family. In memory of Fran, please love your family, live your faith, and laugh often. If you would like to make a memorial contribution in Fran’s honor, please consider donation to Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church OSV Hub. The Rest Haven Funeral Home of Hagerstown has been entrusted with the arrangements: rsthvn.com