Newport News- Martha Ratliff Hartley, 92, went to be with Jesus on Weds. August 14, 2024. “Marty”, as she preferred to be called, was born to Lacy Allen Ratliff and Leonia Moten Ratliff in Hinton, WV on Christmas Eve, 1931. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters: Eloise, Bobbie, and Polly, her brother Lacy Allen Jr., and her husband of fifty-four years James “Jim” Hartley.

Marty was a lifelong Baptist and a member of Brook Baptist Church in VA Beach. She was a fan of mystery novels and movies, and watching Perry Mason, Matlock, and Murder She Wrote amongst others. Fall was her favorite season . She enjoyed decorating, baking, and cooking for Thanksgiving and Christmas, with her stuffing and famous fudge.

Left to cherish her memory are son, James “Jim” Hartley Jr. (Betty), daughter, Susan Potter (David), grandchildren, Brooke Bemish (David), Erin Maben (BJ), RyanWestbrook, and Christina Young (Stephen). Great-grandchildren, Gabriel Bemish, Landon and Presley Maben, and numerous nieces and nephews. Special thanks to the staff of Three Rivers Center, West Point, VA including the Hospice staff (Laura) and Chaplain Vicki for the love and care shown.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024, 11am, at Buckroe Baptist Church, 1819 N. Mallory St, Hampton, VA 23664. Dress is informal. We are honoring Marty by wearing red, her favorite color. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to: Buckroe Baptist Church, or the Alzheimer’s Association. Cremation Society of VA is handling the arrangements.

Online condolences may be expressed to www.cremate.org