June Hartmann

Rebecca June Hartmann, born to Alyne and Elbert (Shorty) Gilbert on July 18, 1927 in Memphis, Tennessee, Rebecca June Hartmann, a beautiful person inside and out, passed away to eternal life and her loved ones in Heaven on April 25, 2014. June was predeceased by the love of her life and husband of nearly 70 years, Ernie; their son, Eddy; her mother and father; and her sister, Billie Jean.

June’s life was filled with love and devotion to her family and friends. June always put her family’s happiness and well-being first. As an Air Force wife, she mastered the challenges of countless moves and resettling of their family homes with genuine enthusiasm for experiencing new environments, meeting new friends, exposing her family to new cultures, and unparalleled planning and organization skills. Her family and friends were always impressed by how happily she took on the many roles that were part of the military life. She was also a superlative hostess who loved bringing people together to share happy times.

Throughout their years in military service and after Ernie joined the civilian world, June was an active volunteer and community leader. She was active in the Air Force Wives Club, the Gray Lady volunteers, and PTAs in her children’s schools. Following Eddy’s death which was caused by a drunk driver, June co-founded Hurt B.A.D.D. (By a Drunk Driver), a not-for-profit organization that focused on educating young children on the importance of responsible behaviors, especially those that would prevent tragedies resulting from drinking and driving and use of illegal substances.

June was an amazing woman, always gracious and kind, devoted to her church and God, and loyal to both her family and friends. She was a person on whom people could rely to be supportive in whatever ways they needed. Among her great joys were the friends she formed through her faith community at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Indialantic Florida, particularly her “Soul Sisters” and the Bible study group in which she and Ernie participated for many years.

June is survived by four of her five children and her sons- and daughters- in law, Peggy Ellis (Mike), Bob (Martha), Donna Davenport (Bob), Michael (Lori), and Eddy’s wife, Joann Costello Hartmann; 12 adored grandchildren; 15 wonderful great-grandchildren; her much-loved brother, Gordon (Red) Gilbert; and other beloved family members.

Our family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers from Cypress Village Care Center, Vitas Hospice Care, and Sterling House for their attentive and devoted care of our mother. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to memorialize June are encouraged to donate to the Wounded Warriors Project.