Janet E. Hartley , age 84 of Elwood, passed away on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024 at Elwood Health & Living following an extended illness.  She was born Sept. 9, 1939 in Elwood, the daughter of Herbert and Alice (Meltzer) Dickey.  Janet was a 1957 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School.  She was a devoted homemaker all her life, and also worked part-time during pack season at Ray Brothers Canning Co. for several years.  Janet married her soulmate, Gilbert G. "Gale" Hartley on Sept. 27, 1958, and they shared over 65 years of marriage together.

Janet and Gale were married in Zion Chapel Church in Elwood and later attended Main Street Wesleyan Church in Elwood with their daughter.  She enjoyed shopping, crocheting, painting all types of pictures, and crafting.  Janet and Gale also loved traveling and camping in their 5th wheel camper for many years.  Janet especially loved flowers and baking goodies for her family.  Her beloved boston terrier dogs were a special part of her life.  Janet will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Janet's family includes her husband, Gilbert "Gale" Hartley of Elwood; daughter, Lori (Tim) Clevenger of Sims; 5 grandchildren, Tiffany Current, Michael (Rachael) Hartley, Teela Adkins, Cassondra Hughes, and Josh Shipp; 12 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  Janet was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Lisa Hughes; and sister, Wanda Sigler.

A funeral celebrating Janet's life will be conducted at 2 pm on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Brian Williams of Sims Wesleyan Church, officiating.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 12 to 2 pm on Thursday prior to the funeral at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association through the funeral home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.copherfeslermay.com.