Mary Lee Hartle

Mary Lee Pleger Hartle, age 82, passed away peacefully on November 30, 2025, in
Charlotte, North Carolina.
Born on June 11, 1943, in Oil City, Pennsylvania, Mary Lee was the daughter of Edward
Pleger Jr. and Winifred Keniston Pleger. Her life was marked by a deep sense of
dedication-to her country, her family, and her community.
Mary Lee served as a secretary for the Department of Defense with the United States Air
Force from 1969 until her retirement in 2001. Over the course of her distinguished career,
she was stationed alongside her husband and two sons in Germany, England, and Turkey.
She embraced these international experiences with enthusiasm and curiosity, developing a
love for travel and exploration that remained with her throughout her life.
Her professional excellence was recognized early on when she received the Outstanding
Air Force Civilian Executive Support Technician Award from the USAF Security Service in
both 1972 and 1973. Upon her retirement, she was honored with the Award for Meritorious
Civilian Service-an acknowledgment of more than three decades of unwavering
commitment to supporting military operations through administrative excellence.
Beyond her professional achievements, Mary Lee's heart belonged to her family. She was a
devoted wife to Joseph L. Hartle and a loving mother to their two sons, Joseph L. Hartle III
and Conrad Hartle. Her nurturing spirit extended across generations: she cherished her
role as grandmother to Nikki Lucio, Shawn Hartle (and his wife Lauren), and Natasya
Hendricks (and her husband Marcus). Her joy multiplied with the arrival of greatgrandchildren Layla Lucio, Joseph Lucio, Christian Hartle and Olive Hendricks.
Mary Lee had a creative soul and found joy in cross-stitching, reading, solving puzzles, and
supporting charitable causes. She had a unique gift for transforming cherished
possessions into meaningful tributes-handcrafted homages that became treasured
keepsakes for those she loved. Her home was often filled with thoughtful creations that
reflected both artistry and affection.
Family was everything to Mary Lee. She dedicated herself wholeheartedly to caring for
those around her-offering support not only as a mother and grandmother but also as a
steadfast friend. Her warmth touched many lives across continents and communities.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Joseph L. Hartle; their son Joseph L.
Hartle III; her parents Edward Pleger Jr. and Winifred Keniston Pleger; and her sister Patricia
Peterson.
She is survived by her son Conrad Hartle and his wife Chelley; grandchildren Nikki Lucio,
Shawn Hartle (Lauren), and Natasya Hendricks (Marcus); great-grandchildren Layla Lucio,
Joseph Lucio, Christian Hartle and Olive Hendricks.
Mary Lee will be laid to rest alongside her husband at Fort Sam Houston National
Cemetery-a fitting tribute to a life lived in service to both family and country.
May her memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.