Ima J. Hartman

Ima J. Hartman, 73, of Benton Harbor, passed away, Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at her home, surrounded by her loving family. A Celebration of Life Memorial Gathering will be held from 2 pm to 5 pm Sunday, December 8, 2013 at The Boulevard Inn, 521 Lake Blvd., St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to the Marie Yeager Cancer Center, St. Joseph. Those wishing to sign Ima’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Ima was born February 21, 1940 in Volney, Michigan to Donal & Ethel (Putnam) Bayle. She graduated from Benton Harbor High School, Class of 1957 and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree from Western Michigan University. On June 26, 1960, she married Richard Hartman in Benton Harbor. Ima was a teacher at Lake Michigan Catholic High School for twelve years, and along with her husband owned & operated LeVerre Boutique, in downtown St. Joseph and later at the Orchard’s Mall. Ima was a professional belly dancer, having performed for hundreds of parties and events in Southwest Michigan and the surrounding area. She was a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, enjoyed mentoring students in the Benton Harbor Area Schools, and was a member of Berrien Hills Country Club. She and Richard also enjoyed spending winters in Sun City Center, Florida and golf both at home and during their travels. They played 99 courses over the years. Ima is survived by her husband Richard; three children-Steven (Anna) Hartman of Northbrook, IL, Pam Hartman of Coloma, Michael (Jennifer) Hartman of Royal Oak, MI; three grandchildren-Rachel, Kegan, and Elizabeth; two sisters-Erma (Don) Faron of Sun City Center, FL, and Edna McCord of Mesa, AZ; and five nieces and nephews – Howard (Sherri) Klotz, Colleen Lamble, Alvin (Char) Klotz, Cheryl (Tom) Butcher, and Scott (Kim) Klotz. She was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters-Aletha (Hilbert) Klotz, Donna Bayle, and Doris Bayle, and one nephew Hilbert Klotz Jr.