Virginia Marie Lawrence Hartley

Virginia Marie Lawrence Hartley

Virginia Hartley died December 3, 2008, having suffered a stroke two weeks earlier.
Virginia was born May 15, 1917, in Olympia. She was the daughter of Verne R. Lawrence and Albia B. Lawrence of Olympia. She attended Olympia schools, graduating from Olympia High School. She attended the University of Washington where she was affiliated with Delta Delta Delta Sorority.
She was married to William A. Hartley, an Industrial Insurance Consultant, from August 31, 1940 to his death December 4, 1992. They raised their four children, William (Bill), Claudia, Mary, and James (Jim) in Olympia.
Virginia worked with her husband in his consulting business and volunteered. She taught Sunday School at The United Churches, assisted in Boy and Girl Scout activities for her children, and volunteered for The Salvation Army. She also volunteered regularly in the office at The United Churches. Virginia was an active member of Seattle Children's Hospital (formerly Children's Orthopedic Hospital) Amity Guild, which was recently restarted by her granddaughter.
However, what was most important to her was her family, keeping track of all their activities. She always enjoyed being with her family, and when she couldn't see them in person, she would telephone them frequently to talk on all subjects, from what they were doing to major state and national issues. Working the New York Times crossword puzzles and watching political shows also occupied her time in her later years.
Virginia is survived by a large family that will miss her cheerful manner and concern with their lives, but will be ever grateful for having her for so long.
She is survived by her sister, Norma J. Lynch of Olympia; her four children, William, of Chicago, Claudia Thurber, of Washington, DC, Mary Jones of Hillsboro, Oregon, and James of Poulsbo; and their spouses Alice, Jim, Tod and Eleen, respectively. Her grandchildren (spouses) are: Mark William Thurber (Leonor) of Quito, Ecuador, Kathryn Thurber-Smith (Greg) of Seattle, Thomas Nicholas Jones (Jennifer) of St. Joseph, Minnesota, Matthew William Jones (Sarah) of Lacey, Jaimee Hartley Walmsley (Tim) of Hansville, Jenna Hartley Johnson (Joel) of Kingston, and Christopher William Hartley of Chicago. Her great grandchildren are Tristan, Bryan, Kelsey Smith; Holland Jones; Sophie Grace Jones; Maureen, Molly, Colin, Quinn, Ethan and Evin (Hartley), and Emmet Walmsley; and Sarah Johnson; in addition to nieces and nephews and their families.
There will be a memorial service, January 3, 2009, at 10:00 a.m., in the Chapel of The United Churches, 110 11th Ave. SE, to celebrate Virginia's long and happy life.
The family requests that instead of flowers, contributions be made to: Seattle Children's Hospital, Amity Guild, PO Box 50020/S-200, Seattle, WA 98145-5020; Community Action, 1001 SW Baseline St., Hillsboro, OR 97123; The United Churches, 110 11th Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98501; or The Salvation Army of Olympia, PO Box 173, Olympia, WA 98507.