Mattie Hartnett

Mattie Rachel Hartnett, 93, widow of William Bryan Hartnett, stepped into heaven on November 19, 2010, at Kruse Memorial Village. Funeral services will be held Monday, November 22, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. in Salem Lutheran Church of Salem, with Pastor Charles Parnell officiating. Burial will follow in Prairie Lea Cemetery. The family will receive friends and relatives Sunday evening at Memorial Oaks Chapel from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Rachel was born in Groesbeck, Texas on Feb. 2, 1917 to Cliff and Mollie Bell Smiley. She was educated at Big Hill and Ben Hur schools in Limestone County, Texas. She married William Bryan Hartnett on January 15, 1935, and was a member of Salem Lutheran Church of Salem. Rachel was a homemaker, and enjoyed her family by sitting around with them on a lazy afternoon, drinking coffee on the front porch. Working in her yard and cooking for her family brought her great joy. Her children and grandchildren still believe, and always will, that no one could do it like her. Those who will miss her most are her children: Martha Sims of Brenham, Bob Hartnett and special friend Eileen, of Bellville; Helen Clay of Brenham, Bryan and Sherry Hartnett of Hondo. She will also be missed by grandchildren: Richard Sims and wife Cary of Bellville; Sherry George and husband Ken of Brenham; Robbie Fuchs and husband Clyde of Burton; Jerry Hartnett and wife Kim of Brenham; Tricia Buerger and husband Matt of Brenham; David Sims of Kingsland, Dana Barron and husband Dennis of Brenham; Angela Sims and Neil Derryberry of Marble Falls; Will Hartnett and wife Regina of San Angelo; Lindsey Leal and husband Tim of Yancey, and Lacey Hartnett of San Antonio. Many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, nephews, and nieces will also truly miss her. Mattie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one newborn grandchild, a daughter-in-law Charlene Hartnett, and great-grandson, Paul Reimer. Serving as pallbearers are her grandsons and great-grandsons. Because our mother spent many of her last years at Kruse Village, we thank you for your loving kindness and care given her over the years. Special thanks are extended to the Hospice caregivers, who took such great care of her during the last days. We will never forget. Memorials may be directed to Salem Lutheran Church of Salem or to Hospice Brazos Valley. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham. 979836-4564. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com