Elizabeth Hartley

Elizabeth Laraine Hall, (“Sam” Hartley”), was born in Vernal, Utah on August 5, 1927, on her Mother’s birthday, Hazel Mattie Hall, and to her father Robert Edgar Hall.

She lived her early years in what would be considered pioneer conditions today.  Living in log cabins and in sheep, or hunting camps.  She was the oldest of six children.  Her siblings were her sister, Virginia Townsend, John Hall, Ray Hall, Joe Hall, and her surviving brother Doug Hall of Fruita.

She married Fletcher Bleak of Rifle, CO.  Her first born was Karen Wayne Bleak (deceased).  She divorced and several years later married, Joseph Ira MacTavish, of Glenwood Springs, CO.  They traveled extensively working during the uranium boom days, working for the Atom Energy Commission,  pursuing mining interests for the US Government.  During that time of her life most people referred to her as Laraine and she and Ira had a daughter, Jodie Kim MacTavish.  After divorcing Ira, she married Ronny May, and had two daughters, Catherine Ann May and Jaime Marie May.  She had two subsequent marriages, Jim Janosec and Alvin Curtis Hartley.

Laraine lived an interesting life.  As a young woman she lived on a ranch working cattle, irrigating fields, fishing, and her favorite activity of hunting.  Hunting was a necessary activity in her youth for family needs.  But her interest and enthusiasm never wained as she grew older.  Hunting season was the highlight of the year for her.  Even in her later years she drove her family crazy wanting to go hunting.

She had numerous jobs and careers throughout her life.  She drove a dump truck during the war, waited tables, worked as a switchboard operator and supervisor for MaBell, a medical records transcriber at the Rangely and Aspen Hospitals, general office for the Regional Center, worked in the sugar beet factory both in the production and the laboratory testing product.  The last several working years she worked for the Forest Service in Wyoming, both at the Medicine Wheel in Northern Wyoming and the Forest Service Office in Worland where she helped visitors with information, tree and firewood permits, camping, and general office procedures.

She was most proud of her work on the eventual designation of the Medicine Wheel site as a sacred Native American site and recognition by the US Government.  She saw history take place working with tribes that had been sworn mortal enemies (Northern Cheyenne and the Crow Nation) throughout time, come together to work for a mutual goal.  She valued her friendships and work with Bill Tall Bull (Northern Cheyenne), John Hill (Crow), and a special connection with her friends who worked to make a shift in the designation of the mountain.

She supported her children as a Girl Scout leader and encouraged 4-H activities.  She was a member of the Episcopal Church, and a lifelong member of Eastern Stars.  She also served on the Medicine Wheel Alliance Counsel.

She saw the world change in a major way during her life, from feeding livestock from a hay wagon, no running water inside, no indoor plumbing, or electricity to the space age and her use of a computer and smart phone.

Services will be  Friday, July 30, 2017 at 3 P. M. at Browns Chapel.  A Self Treat Reception will follow at Golden Corral Restaurant.