Ellis Hartman

Ellis Hartman, age 81, of Hoffman Lake, Warsaw, IN passed away Monday, March 10, 2014 at 7:00 Am in Mason Health Care and Rehabilitation, Warsaw. He was born February 28, 1933 to Harold and Pauline (Harmon) Hartman in Kosciusko County, IN. Ellis was a truck driver for Hulls Transfer for many years. He retired from Mike Gill’s Auto Parts after many years of service, including building their huge wrecker. Ellis was an avid hunter, fisherman, and shuffleboard player. He loved to shoot trap, skeet, but also gained an interest in muzzle loading, and western shooting. He was a 4H instructor for shooting for many years. Ellis also accompanied the 3rd graders to Fort Wayne for the Shrine Circus each year, following the school busses in the Mike Gill tow truck. Ellis was also an enthusiastic race fan and loved watching NASCAR and Indy cars. He was well known at the Warsaw Speedway, where he raced and also built cars for others. In addition he was a member of the Pierceton American Legion, Post #258 and the National Rifle Association. Survivors include his longtime companion, Jane Rife of Atwood, IN; 4 daughters: Pattie (Mike) Laney of South Bend, IN, Sue (Russ) Woodcock of Warsaw, IN, Jackie Gilfillian of Minnetonka, MN, Julie (Rodney) Shilling of Warsaw, IN; a sister Dori (Larry) Hale, of Middletown, IN; a brother Thomas (Pat) Hartman of Warsaw, IN; 7 Grandchildren: Jacob Neukam, South Bend IN, Kaleb Neukam, South Bend IN, Renee Stahl, Warsaw, IN, Sean Woods, Huntington, IN, Vickie (Dr. Mosi) Bennett, Minnesota, Elizabeth Shilling, Warsaw, IN, Kaytie Shilling, Warsaw, IN and 10 great grandchildren. Visitation will be Saturday, March 15, 2014 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw. Memorial contributions may be made to Reins of Life, 55200 Quince Rd., South Bend, IN 46619–4403.