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Cleo Hartley Obituary

Cleo Joan Hartley was born October 29, 1950 and stepped into Heaven on May 6, 2010 after a 16-month battle with ovarian cancer. Raised in Minot, North Dakota she moved her family to Colorado Springs in 1986. Her passions included her flower gardens, family (including her dogs) and most importantly, faith in Christ. She was a remarkable mother, grandmother and friend who cared deeply for those who God placed in her path. She touched countless lives in the 18 years she worked as a case manager for El Paso County Human Services. At home she could often be found working in her yard, making room for even more flowers. As a mom, there could be no better example of what it means to love your kids. Always ready to listen and give lots of suggestions, she could be tough when needed yet her love remained constant and unconditional. Her deepest desire was for her loved ones to know Christ and the life He offers. Her absence will be deeply felt by many. Cleo was preceded in death by her parents, Gottlieb and Alvina Dockter. She is survived by her sister Marlene (Tom) Jundt, her brother Jeff (Nadine) Dockter, her daughter Nicole (Steve) Pfennig, her son Shawn Hartley, and four beloved grandchildren Anthony, Luke, Mckenzie, and Kate. A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 15, 2010, at Village Seven Presbyterian Church, 4050 Nonchalant Cir. S. at 2 pm.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on May 12, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Cleo Hartley

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Joy-el Burke (Ellington)

May 19, 2010

I was very blessed to have Cleo in my life. It is the work she did at DHS that brought her into my life. I have known cleo for about 20 years now. She was always willing to help my Father when he needed it. I was blessed to have known her and she will be greatly missed. I was blessed to have Cleo meet my daughter before she passed and I am just sorry that I didn't get more time with her.

Donna Steed

May 16, 2010

It's taken me this long to come up with what I want to say that Cleo would want me to share about friendship. Cleo (& Nikki) were GIFTS that God sent to me when I truly needed a friend in 1984, and that friendship bloomed throughout the years. I was only allowed the opportunity TWICE since 1985 to be physically with Cleo, but it never diminished the bond we shared. She had planned to come see me in April, but about two weeks before she passed she told me that she thought it would be best for me to come see her again. She said that Marlene was planning to come in mid-May, but if she didn't, then that would be when she preferred me to come. Of course she was in a lot better company than me before mid-May, and I am feeling a huge loss. She was one of my "five finger friends"...I was told that a person should consider herself blessed to have 5 special lifetime friends.... Cleo was one of mine so now I have to figure out how to go on with a piece of me missing. Until I see you girlfriend again....I love you wholeheartedly. Nikki & Shawn & Anthony, please please please keep in touch with me; let me know what's happening in your lives. You 3 were, & the 3 little ones, were what I was always kept up on. She loved you all more than life itself. I am so thankful to have had her in my life for 26 years, even longer than my husband, who also bonded with her & adored the friendship we shared. I have been so very blessed to have Cleo Hartley in my life! Hugs to baby Kate, Mackenzie, & Luke. Anthony, you were a special joy so make her proud!

Bill Evans

May 15, 2010

My deepest sympathy go out to Niki and Shawn, Cleo was a fine mother. and grandmother. I worked with Cleo at DHS for a number of years. Over that time we became close friends. She was always an encouragement to me even after her and my retiremetn from DHS. I will miss her and the lunches we had together. I am honred to have been her friend. She is home with the Lord. Bill Evans

Abby Medina

May 15, 2010

At DHS I sat next to Cleo for 3 years. In good and difficult times she shared a great deal with me. The most poignant memories of Cleo were the love for her family. How proud she was of Nikki, Shawn,the grandchildren and her love for god. There were days, I just could not keep up with her energy. She always said, "Ok, lets take care of buisness" Her resounding laughter is something I will never forget. Cleo touched many and certainly made a difference. I think she would want you to know to keep her memory alive by following the advice she gave you. In times of sadness remember, Cleo is no longer hurting. Cleo is dancing in heaven, smiling down on you, watching over you with great love. Cleo,...may god keep her in his tender care until he brings us together again. God bless.

May 15, 2010

I worked with Cleo at DHS and always appreciated her kind smiles and hello's and her assistance she gave to me when I was working the front desk, i could always count on Cleo daily answering her phone or saying I will be right down. She will be missed by many, I wish her family prayers and sympathy. Vicki Hanson

Mary Shatzer

May 14, 2010

I worked with Cleo at DHS many years ago and always appreciated her kind spirit. She will be missed by many, many, friends, colleagues and families that she worked with. I wish her family prayers and sympathy.

Denise Kiehl

May 14, 2010

Nikki, your mom's kindess and generosity toward me and words of comfort and encouragement blessed me so much. I am grateful and honored that she welcomed me to meet with her and will always remember her with fondness. She was an amazing and strong woman and left an example that I will not forget. May God bless you all with peace and comfort as you miss her. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Denise

Houston Markley

May 14, 2010

I always admired Cleo's upbeat attitude about the difficult work we faced at the Department of Human Services. She took a deep and caring inteest in the families whom she served at the Department. She retained a cheerful approach and was always supportive to me, her supervisor. She was an example of caring and grace to all of us. Peace, Houston Markley

Donna Chelgren

May 13, 2010

My heartfelt condolences go out to Cleo's family for their loss. May your thoughts warm your heart and bring a smile to your face when you remember those wonderful times you were fortunate to share. God's plan for her on earth was not long enough. May you have peace and joy in your hearts, knowing that his plan for her in heaven is eternal.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
With Sympathy,
Donna Chelgren

Val Dazey

May 13, 2010

Our heartfelt and deepest sympathy to Cleo's family. Cleo was one of my dearest friends. Even though years and many miles kept us from seeing one another regularly, the friendship remained so very special. I am so thankful for our recent visits on the telephone and I know we will share the blessed joy of our friendship in heaven.
Lovingly,
Val (Bummer) Dazey

Kathy & Dick Newman

May 13, 2010

Our heartfelt sympathy to Cleo's family - Cleo and all of you have been in our throughts and prayers over the last few weeks and months. I've known Cleo since college in Minot. She was one of those people you never forget; whether you met her only once or were good friends for years. A really special person - heaven will be richer with her infectious giggle.

Eric & Andrea Klanderman

May 13, 2010

Our heartfelt condolences to Cleo's family. She has been a dear friend for many years and we are so sorry it was not possible for her to realize her dream of seeing the Cherry Blossoms bloom in Washington DC. She told us on the phone a few weeks ago that before long she would be able to see them anytime she wanted too. She leaves behind a lasting legacy with her love of the Lord and her dear family and friends. She will be missed.
Love and prayers from our family.
Eric and Andrea Klanderman
Fairfax, Virginia

Vicki Pappadakis

May 12, 2010

Our hearts and prayers go out to Cleo's family. She was a wondeful lady who saw us through a very tough time in our lives. She had an amazing spirit and love for life. I will miss her very much, She was my friend!!! God has you now and someday I will see you again! Love, The Pappadakis Family

May 12, 2010

Shawn and Nikki my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I will always remember the fun times Cleo and I had and our special conversations over a cup of tea. May God Bless You and keep you safe. Auntie Arla

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