Rea Hartley

Rea Natalie Hartley, 90, died at 8:16 p.m. on Monday, March 9, 2026 at her residence.  She was born January 4, 1936 in Alton, the daughter of Andrew Jackson and Mildred (Roady) Steward. 

Rea worked for many local nursing homes in the area as a cooking supervisor. On April 4, 1952 in Alton, she married Frank “Pete” Hartley, and he preceded her in death on July 29, 2020. 

Surviving are one daughter, Rea “Kathi” McNish of Godfrey, five sons, Jeff Hartley of Cottage Hills, Tim Hartley of Royal Lakes, IL, Dan Hartley of Alton, Mark Hartley (Karen) of Alton and Scot Hartley (Pam) of Alton, twenty-two grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. 

Besides her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by one daughter, Anna Marie Hartley, two daughters in laws, Jessica Hartley and Janice Hartley, one grandson, Tim Hartley and sixteen brothers and sisters. 

Graveside services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at Upper Alton Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army. 

Gent Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Additional and online guestbook may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com.