Kenneth E. Hartley

Kenneth E. Hartley, 68, of Bratton Twp., Lewistown, passed away at 10:45 p.m., Thursday, November 23, 2017, at his home.  

Born Nov. 14, 1949, in Lewistown, he was the son of the late Paul Hartley and Glendolene (Curfman) Hartley Aurand, of Lewistown, who survives.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by: his stepfather, Renno B. Aurand; a step-sister, Marjorie Aurand; and a brother-in-law, M. Lynn Howe.    

In addition to his mother, Kenneth is survived by: his wife, Terry E. (Kerstetter) Hartley, whom he married July 3, 2000, in Wyoming; a daughter, Anne O. Hartley, of Pittsburgh, and Anne’s mother, Ellen N. Reddy, of Reedsville; step-children, Ty Aurand, of State College, and Kimberly J. Williams and husband, Jason, of Lewistown; Emily L. Wilson, of Lewistown, whom Ken loved as a daughter; step-grandchildren, Aiden T. Wilson Aurand, Quinlan B. Williams, and Chantz S. Williams; sisters, Carol A. Howe, and Gail L. Gibbons and husband, Steve, both of Lewistown; step-sister, Patsy Aurand, of McVeytown; two nieces and three nephews, and their families.

Ken was a member of McVeytown United Methodist Church.

He graduated from Lewistown High School, Class of 1967, and attended Millersville University.

He worked as a cowboy in Wyoming from 1972-74, and was also employed by Standard Steel; Webber Construction; J.D. Eckman; and New Enterprise Stone & Lime, from which he retired with 30 years’ service.

Some of Ken’s fondest memories were working on ranches and rodeoing in Wyoming.  He made lifelong friends and gained knowledge and experience which he brought home to Pennsylvania to his 20-acre farm.  His thirty-year career in bridge construction developed his work ethic rivaled by few, and fostered friendships that were maintained well into his retirement years.

Ken was philanthropic and contributed to multiple charities, especially to Native American schools and groups.  His caring and respect as a friend, husband, father, and grandfather, was returned to him in ways we hope he knew.  His greatest accomplishment in life was being a father, grandfather, and mentor.  His rigorous “School of Hard Knocks” had a few graduates who benefited from his atypical education, and his grandson fondly calls this, “Pappa School”.  Ken was attentive to his children and grandchildren’s extracurricular activities and never missed their events, even during his illness.  He had a tremendous impact on so many people’s lives,  and his memory will live on in the hearts of his friends and family.       

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9, at McVeytown United Methodist Church, 3 S. Queen St., McVeytown, with Pastor Pat Bollinger officiating.    

Memorials in Kenneth’s name may be made to: McVeytown UMC Building Fund, 3 S. Queen St., McVeytown, PA 17051, or to Geisinger Home Health and Hospice, 101 S. Main St., Lewistown, PA 17044.

Arrangements are under the care of Heller-Hoenstine Funeral Homes, Woodlawn, 200 N. Main St., Lewistown.    

 Service Information