Bernice Jeanette Hartz

Bernice Jeanette Hartz

Of Deposit, NY

Bernice Jeannette Decker Hartz died peacefully at home in Deposit, NY surrounded by loved ones on Monday, May 25, 2026. She was 98 years old.

Born in Deposit, New York on July 11, 1927, Bernice was the third child of Dewey and Catherine Decker. She is pre-deceased by her husband of more than 40 years, Justin Hartz, daughter Jeanne Owens, son-in-law Dennis Owens, great grand-daughter Annabelle Young, brothers Graydon and Sherland Decker, and sisters, Florence Conners, Betty Teale, Helen Cline and Rosemary Decker. She is survived by her brother Dewey Decker and his wife Dawn, brother Jack Decker and his wife Bo, sister Joanne Neer and her husband Robert, son Gregg Hartz Sr. and his wife Pamela, and son Jeffrey Hartz and his wife Beverly. She is also survived by six grandchildren and their partners including Paul and Laura Young, Gregg Jr. and Susan Hartz, Nick and Kristen Hartz, Ashlea Hartz, Shannon and John Baudendistel, Clinton Hartz and Emily Ruggiero. She was great-grandmother to fifteen including Henry Young, Justin, Samantha, Emily and Breann Hartz, Macie, Averie, and Kaden Hartz, Ethan, Evan, and Sophie Baudendistel, Beckett and Breela Hartz and Josie Ruggiero. Through her long and beautiful life, she was loved by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and countless coworkers, neighbors and friends.

A lifelong resident of Deposit, Bernice spent her earliest years working and playing on the family farm near Danville Springs along with her ten siblings. She enjoyed walking to town with her sisters and often attended social gatherings, including square dances, in the family’s barn. She graduated from high school in Deposit in 1945 where she met her husband, Justin. The couple was married on January 3, 1946 at McClure United Methodist Church. Early in their marriage, Bernice worked as switch operator for the Deposit telephone company while her husband ran the family hardware, plumbing and heating business, Ed Hartz and Sons on Front Street.

Bernice gave birth to her first child, daughter Jeanne, in 1947 and she went on to have two sons, Gregg and Jeff. She was a devoted mother who enjoyed watching her children grow, learn, and play sports. She was a hands-on grandmother and great-grandmother whose kitchen counter was consistently surrounded by youngsters looking for a delicious snack or a loving conversation.

Bernice dedicated most of her career working for the Deposit Central School District where she was a teaching assistant and student aide. She always loved working with children and had a special gift for supporting children with physical and developmental disabilities.

Throughout her life, Bernice was a devoted Christian and a member of the Deposit First Presbyterian Church where she sang in the choir alongside her daughter Jeanne. An active member of the Deposit Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, Bernice volunteered her free time in support of causes benefitting her neighbors through the town’s theater, thrift shop, church and more.

In addition to her civic involvement, Bernice spent her free time making pottery, and hand quilting blankets, placemats, aprons and more. She was a prolific knitter throughout her life, and she crafted well over 100 Christmas stockings for every member of her extended family, as well as anyone else who would ask. She was an avid golfer but more than anything she enjoyed watching her kids, grandkids and great-grand kids play sports. She had a love of reading and working on jigsaw puzzles, both of which she enjoyed through the last year of her life.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Bernice’s life will be held at the Deposit First Presbyterian Church at 129 Second Street, on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 1:00pm. The family will receive friends at the Church on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 11:00am to 1:00pm. The Memorial Service will be followed by a luncheon in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Bernice to the Deposit First Presbyterian Church, PO Box 131, Deposit, NY 13754 or the Annabelle Forever Young Foundation, Inc. at AnnabelleForeverYoung.com.