Mary Louise Hartley

Mary Louise Hartley, 82, of Moses Lake, Washington, passed away on Oct. 15, 2026, surrounded by the love of her children. A devoted mother, grandmother and friend, Mary lived a life filled with hard work, adventure, laughter and love. Independent, spirited, and never afraid to speak her mind, she leaves behind unforgettable memories and a family who will forever carry a piece of her with them.

Mary was born on Feb. 22, 1944, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to William Nelson “Bill” Roach and Alice Dolores (Mawhinney) Roach. She moved to Moses Lake as a child with her family and older brother, William N. “Billy” Roach. A 1962 graduate of Moses Lake High School, she spent her life building friendships and memories in the Columbia Basin.

Mary possessed a remarkable work ethic. Throughout her life, she worked at Jack's Bargain Barn, Excel Foods, Sprouse-Reitz, and LAD Irrigation. She also owned and operated Ultra Klean Janitorial, taking pride in working hard, providing for her family, and making her own way in the world.

Her adventurous spirit and desire to help others led her to become a volunteer firefighter and train as an emergency medical technician. She enjoyed the friendships of the fire department, including playing softball with the department team. One lesson she passed along to her children was to always carry a pocketknife. After all, you never knew when you might need to cut a horse's lead rope, free someone from a seatbelt, or protect yourself. It was Mary's way of teaching her children to always be prepared.

One of Mary's greatest passions was her love of horses and the old cowboy way of life. She loved owning, riding, and caring for horses, appreciating the freedom and traditions of the Western lifestyle. As a dedicated 4-H leader, she nurtured young people, teaching responsibility, building confidence, and encouraging their love of animals. She helped create a family of animal lovers, a legacy that continues today.

Mary spent countless hours preparing animals for fairs and shows, loading equipment, and accompanying her family on their adventures. Horses, sheep, rabbits, dogs, chickens, and even a guinea pig and a miniature pig on separate occasions were part of those experiences. Those sometimes exhausting and chaotic days created cherished family memories. 

Her love of the Western world extended to rodeos and professional bull riding. She enjoyed watching the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) and dreamed of attending both the PBR World Finals and the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. She loved the excitement of Las Vegas, especially the slot machines, and was a lifelong fan of Elvis Presley.

Mary was an enthusiastic sports fan, cheering for the Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Pirates and Seattle Mariners. She celebrated the victories, endured the disappointments, and remained loyal to her teams.

Few things brought Mary greater pride than cheering on her family as Moses Lake High School Chiefs. She was a devoted supporter of Chiefs athletics and band, faithfully attending events and celebrating her children's accomplishments. She especially loved watching her grandson Hunter compete in football and wrestling. Often the loudest person in the stands, Mary made sure her family, and everyone around her, knew just how proud she was of them. She taught her children the importance of good sportsmanship and never to boo the opposing team, although she was also quick to remind them that winning always felt a whole lot better than losing!

Mary also appreciated life's simple pleasures. She loved “Gunsmoke,” “I Love Lucy” and “The Golden Girls,” and especially enjoyed watching the Game Show Network with her grandson Hunter. Those quiet moments together became treasured memories.

Her homemade cinnamon rolls and cookies were favorites among family and friends. More than delicious treats, they were expressions of love and traditions that will continue to remind others of her.

Perhaps one of Mary's most unforgettable qualities was her sense of humor. Funny, mischievous, outspoken and wonderfully unpredictable, she loved teasing those closest to her. Her quick wit and occasionally inappropriate jokes could make everyone laugh or shake their heads. She had a gift for turning ordinary moments into stories that would be retold for years.

Mary had a strong sense of independence and a mind of her own. She could be wonderfully stubborn, but that was part of her spirited personality. She knew what she believed and wasn't afraid to share her thoughts. Beneath her independent nature was a kind and caring heart. She expressed love through thoughtful gestures, shared experiences, laughter, and the little things she did for others.

Mary treasured her friendships, especially those that endured through life's many changes. She valued people who shared her laughter, understood her personality, and stood beside her through the years.

Later in life, Mary found faith, friendship, and a welcoming community at St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Moses Lake. Those relationships brought meaning and comfort to her later years.

Above all, Mary was a mother and grandmother. She gave her children and grandchildren stories to tell, traditions to remember, lessons learned through experience, and an example of a woman who faced life with determination and remained true to herself. Her family was a source of tremendous pride, and her love for them remains one of her greatest legacies.

Mary is survived by her three children: Donald Hartley and his wife, Sarah, and their children, Joshua, Robyn, and Henry; Kenneth Hartley and his wife, Erin, and their children, Elizabeth, Victoria, William, and Conan; and Allison White and her husband, Jason, whom Mary loved as a son, and their son, Hunter.

She is also survived by her dear friend Vaughn, whose friendship remained steadfast until the very end, along with extended family and friends who will cherish her memory.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, William Nelson “Bill” Roach and Alice Dolores (Mawhinney) Roach; her older brother, William N. “Billy” Roach; her nephew, Mark Roach; her first love, Bob Ottmar; and her dear friends Doris, Brenda, Carolyn, and Pat.

A celebration of Mary's life will be held in early April 2027, with additional details to be announced.

Although Mary's passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness, her memory lives on in the things she loved: Elvis songs, rodeos, baseball games, old Westerns, and the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. She will be remembered for her laughter, determination, wonderfully stubborn spirit, and the countless ways she made life memorable.

To those who loved her, she was simply Mom, Grandma, Mary, a woman whose presence could never be replaced. Her legacy lives on in the family she raised, the friendships she cherished, and the memories that will be shared for generations.

She was loved beyond measure, and she will be missed beyond words.

Please express your thoughts and memories for the family at kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser's Chapel of Memories.