Mary Jean Hartlep, 97, of Sheldon passed away on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Gilman Healthcare Center in Gilman. She was born on February 22, 1928 in Beaverville, the daughter of Hilaire and Luella (Dionne) Lafond. She married Lawrence “Larry” Ray Hartlep in Beaverville on June 14, 1958 and he preceded her in passing on November 7, 1990.
She is survived by one son, Carl Hartlep of Sheldon; one sister in law, Judy Lafond of Lawrence, KS; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in passing by her parents; husband, Larry; one brother, Donald Lafond; one sister, Eileen Buckley; and one brother in law, Vincent Buckley.
Mary Jean was a member of St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka, Royal Neighbors for fifty years, I.E.A, N.E.A, and Retired Teachers Association. She taught school in Iroquois County for over thirty five years. Mrs. Hartlep enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, word games, and volunteering.
Funeral mass will be at 11:00 am on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka. Fr. Michael Powell will officiate. Burial will follow at Sheldon Cemetery in Sheldon.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral mass at St. Edmund Catholic Church from 10:00-11:00 am on Wednesday.
Memorials may be made to St. Edmund Catholic Church – Watseka or St. Mary’s Catholic Church – Beaverville.
Please share a memory of Mary Jean at knappfuneralhomes.com.
