Ryla Hartman Obituary

Ryla Dee Hartman, age 60, passed away on July 1, 2025, in Tempe, Arizona. She was born on February 14, 1965 in Winamac, Indiana. Ryla grew up in Monterey, Indiana and attended Indianapolis School for the Deaf and graduated in 1985. After graduation she went to St. Paul Technical College in St. Paul, MN and received a certificate in Graphic Arts. Ryla worked at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis for several years as a supply stocker for the operation/surgical department. Ryla moved to Mesa Arizona in 1997 and lived with her parents before moving to Apache ASL Trails in 2010. She had many friends and loved making crafts and watching college and pro sports. Ryla was a big fan of the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, Chicago Cubs and Phoenix Suns. She had many activities including softball, volleyball, basketball, track and field, and going to deaf clubs and events. Ryla is survived by her siblings, Ruthann Thorson of Coon Rapids, MN, Rebecca (Derric) Lambert of Lewisville, TX, Robert (Cathy) Hartman of Phoenix, AZ and Richard (Lisa) Hartman of Monterey, IN. Nieces Andrea Thorson, Molly (Brent) King, Clare (Jake) Currans; nephews Alan Thorson, Anthony Thorson, Ryan Hartman, James Hartman and great niece Nora James Currans and several cousins. Ryla is preceded in death by her loving parents, Winfred H. and Gladys Hartman and brother-in-law David Thorson. A Celebration of Life was held on July 13th in the community room at her apartment building, Apache ASL Trails. Andrea Thorson, niece, recorded a beautiful video of herself signing the eulogy in ASL for all the deaf friends in attendance. Funeral arrangements are pending with Mountain View Funeral Home in Mesa, AZ. Donations can be made to the American Society for Deaf Children or your local Hands & Voices organization.