Shirley Hartman

Shirley Ann Hartman of Ventura went home to be with the Lord on Friday, November 8, 2024, at the age of 89 after a long illness. Shirley was born in Decatur, Arkansas. Her family moved to Ventura County when she was 11 years old. She graduated from Ventura High School in 1953. Five months after graduation, she married the love of her life, David Hartman. After David’s military service, they moved back to Oak View, where they lived for 61 years. Shirley started working as a grocery checker at Dahl’s Market (Oak View) and Bayless Market (Ojai) once her youngest daughter was in school. She then became a Pharmacy Tech and the welcoming face of Lapic’s Pharmacy in Oak View for 26 years. 

At the early age of 13, Shirley put her faith in Jesus Christ at church camp. She loved the Lord and wanted others to know Him too. Shirley served the Lord by teaching Sunday School, working in the nursery, women’s ministries, Good News Club, and wherever help was needed. Her church families were very encouraging and important to her, the most recent being the Ventura Jubilee Fellowship.

After retirement Shirley and David enjoyed traveling, keeping in touch with relatives and attending their grandkids’ activities. They enjoyed the friendships and care they received at Cypress Place Assisted Living for the past five years.

Shirley loved people, and had the gift of hospitality. Her whole life centered around her love for God and people. She was a good listener, made sure others felt comfortable and accepted, and showed people the love of Christ through her actions. She didn’t pass up the opportunity to prepare or share a good meal or snack with others. Shirley was a faithful wife and mother who supported, and was involved in every activity of her family. She was engaged, and encouraged each of her kids and grandkids in every way. Nana wanted to know all of the details about her grandkids, and what their strengths and weaknesses were. She was not only their greatest cheerleader, but prayed diligently for each of them. Shirley’s caring attitude influenced all those around her. Many of her daughter’s friends consider Shirley and David to be their second parents, and many of their caregivers consider them to be their second grandparents. 

Shirley is survived by her children, Karen (Dan) Thompson and Kris (Jeff) Brown; grandchildren, Rachael Thompson, Rebecca (Evan) Oates, Sean Clark, Alison (Marshall) Yanzick, David Newby, and Robin (Rick) Deming; great-grandchildren, Hallie and Hunter Clark (Sean), Deacon, Isla and Noelle Oates (Rebecca), William Deming (Robin), and Marli Yanzick (Alison). She was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, David Hartman; daughter, Kathy Clark; brother, Clyde Truitt; and parents, Charles and Jewell Truitt. 

Shirley’s family is grateful for the staff and caregivers from Cypress Place Senior Living, Assisted Hospice, and Sue-Ellen Consultants, who helped her through her cancer journey.

Memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024,10 AM at Ventura Jubilee Fellowship Church, 1956 Palma Dr Suite A, Ventura, CA.