Deborah Lynn Hartle

Deborah Lynn Hartle, 55, of Brier passed away at home on January 14, 2011 after an extended battle with ovarian cancer. She is survived by her husband of 34 years, Robert Hartle, children Brenna Jacobson (Nathaniel), Alex Hartle, and Keegan Hartle, her mother Lila Mae Bridge, sisters Jacqueline Kelso (Paul), and Kineta Cardenas (Sergio), aunts Opal Greene and Cleora Tubbs, uncle Harley Allen (Kaye), and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends. She is remembered with love by all of them and will be greatly missed. Debbie was born in Spokane, WA November 23, 1955. She married Bob, her high school sweetheart, on May 15, 1976. Two years later she graduated from Eastern Washington State College with her teaching degree. Debbie and Bob moved to Kent in 1979 where she worked at Meridian Elementary school. She chose to be a stay at home mom after their daughter was born. In 1983, the family moved to Brier where they grew roots. When Brenna started school, Debbie began substitute teaching for the Northshore School District. She eventually became a librarian at Woodmoor Elementary. When their twin sons were born, she again decided to be a stay at home mom. At age 43, Debbie was diagnosed with breast cancer. She went through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments. She fought and won her battle with breast cancer. After beating cancer, with Alex and Keegan in school, she began substitute teaching for the Edmonds School District. She became a regular fixture at the boys school, Brier Elementary. She truly found her calling teaching Kindergarten at Brier. Debbie was heartbroken to have to leave her classroom to fight the ovarian cancer that was diagnosed in 2008. Deb enjoyed good books, entertaining TV, and the occasional celebrity magazine. She would always spot the small details that made life beautiful. Most of all, she loved the people around her. As a wife and mother, she was kind, patient, and constantly full of encouragement and love. She was always proud of her childrens accomplishments, large and small. Her greatest goal was to raise her children to be kind and respectful to others. She made sure the family enjoyed spending time together. We all have many fond memories of vacations, special occasions, and quiet weekends. Debbie was a warm and loving person. She was accepting of everyone and had a true talent for making people feel welcomed and at ease. She could listen to an opinion without needing to challenge it. At times, she had a surprisingly astute sense of humor. She was full of a quiet strength that you would not realize until you encountered it. Her positive attitude was unfailing and uplifting to everyone she touched. In the words of her niece Laura, We have lost the nicest one of us. Announcement: Memorial donations in her name may be made to the Brier Elementary Scholarship Fund.