George William (Bill) Hartley, age 85, of Royal Oak, Michigan, died on Sunday, September 2, 2018, at Waltonwood Assisted Living in Royal Oak, Michigan, where he was a resident. George was a 1951 graduate of Edgerton High School and a veteran of the United States Army, proudly serving in Korea. Benefitting from the GI bill, George was able to graduate from The Ohio State University with his degree in soil conservation. This time at OSU led to a lifetime of being known by many as Buckeye Bill. Later, once his passion for roses was ignited, this moniker was transformed into the Buckeye Rosarian.
George was born on October 31, 1932, in Edgerton, Ohio, the son of George and Mary (Horvath) Hartley. He married his wife, Regina A. Popp, on September 6, 1965, at St. Rita’s Church in Detroit, Michigan. Although Regina predeceased George, his love and devotion for her did not waver.
Surviving are his children, Agnes (Keith) Villarreal, Teresa, Suzanne (Robert) Mitchell, Douglas (Jennifer); nine grandchildren; and siblings, Mary Ida Fry, Clarence, and Richard (Barbara) Hartley.
Visitation will be held on Monday, September 10, 2018, from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. in St Mary Catholic Church, Edgerton. Services will follow at 1:00 P.M. in the church. Interment in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Saint Mary Catholic Church in Edgerton, Ohio, are appreciated.