Moe and Bev Hartings’ nearly 69 years of marriage were filled with devotion and dedication to one another, their family, their faith, and their community. They were a couple whose love and connection was respected and cherished. Although their earthly lives ended just 5 days apart, the fullness of their individual lives and the remarkable life they shared tell their story best.

Leo Joseph Hartings died late Thursday night, October 22, 2026, at the age of 92. Beverly (Best) Ann Hartings died Tuesday night, October 27, 2026, at the age of 87. Both died at the home they had shared for 54 years, surrounded by their loving family.

Leo was born March 9, 1934, in St. Rose, Mercer County, Ohio, the son of the late John and Bernadina (Leugers) Hartings. A 1952 graduate of St. John’s School in Maria Stein, Ohio (now part of Marion Local Schools), Moe served his country in the United States Marines from 1956-1958, followed by six additional years in the Marine Corps Reserve.

Beverly was born June 4, 1939, in Union City, IN, the daughter of the late Robert and Georgianna (Wallack) Best. She graduated from Union City West Side High School in 1957.

Growing up on his family’s farm in St. Rose, Moe learned early the importance of hard work and developed a particular talent for working with horses. What began as a necessity of farm life grew into a lifelong passion for training and breaking horses. He was also an accomplished bull rider, winning the Ohio/Indiana/Pennsylvania Rodeo Championship in 1956, among numerous other trophies and medals.

But perhaps the most consequential ride of Moe’s life was a 30-mile trip on horseback from his family farm to Union City, Indiana, for a business meeting with a fellow horse trainer. As it happened, his destination was a farm adjoining the home of the Best family, where a young woman named Beverly caught his attention. The rest, as they say, is history. Moe and Bev began dating and were married on December 28, 1957. At the time, Bev was just 18 and Moe, 23, was serving in the Marines.

Following Moe’s military service, an opportunity at Rocky Mountain Riding Ranch on Remlinger Road in Crestline brought the young couple to the Shelby Settlement. The 350-acre ranch, owned by Dr. Sawyer, featured riding trails winding through thick forests and across open fields. With his extensive experience in rodeo and horsemanship, Moe served as the ranch foreman for nearly ten years. It was there that he and Bev made their home and began raising their family.

In 1972, Moe and Bev moved to their home on State Route 61, within sight of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church. That proximity was fitting, as the church and its people would become such an important part of their lives, and they, in turn, would give so much of themselves to the parish and surrounding community.

Feeling called to serve the Church in a greater capacity, Moe was among the first class of men in the Diocese of Toledo to be ordained as permanent deacons. His ordination on June 1, 1974, began decades of dedicated ministry to the people of Sacred Heart and the Shelby Settlement. Moe spoke fondly of his fellow deacons, recalling them as a “great bunch of guys!”

Of course, Moe’s service was hardly a solo endeavor. Bev was equally devoted to her faith and to the work of the Church. Together, they were active in the Cursillo Movement and RCIA (now OCIA), among numerous other parish ministries and volunteer efforts. Bev was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society and sang in the church choir, while Moe was a member of the Shelby Knights of Columbus. Their faith was central to their lives, not only in the ways they served their parish, but in how they treated the people they encountered every day.

Both had a particular concern for those who were overlooked, disadvantaged, or simply in need of a helping hand. Bev was active in the National Right to Life movement, even traveling to Washington, D.C. to speak on its behalf. Together, she and Moe participated in prison ministry and, for several years, were involved with a program through Mansfield’s Friendly House that brought children from inner-city Cleveland to rural Ohio for summer visits. They welcomed these young people into their home, sharing with them the experiences of country living and the warmth of family and community. Moe was even known, on occasion, to bring home a hitchhiker who could use a good meal and an opportunity to freshen up. For Moe and Bev, being disciples of Christ meant more than words or Sunday worship. It meant putting their faith into action and extending kindness wherever they saw a need.

A master carpenter by trade, Moe spent the majority of his working career as a construction superintendent with B C & G Weithman Construction in Bucyrus. His skill and craftsmanship were a source of pride, and his work reflected the same steady dedication he brought to so many other parts of his life.

Bev, meanwhile, found great fulfillment in her work as an aide at Fairway-Waycraft School in Bucyrus, supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. She had a genuine love for the people she served, and her care often extended well beyond her regular responsibilities. She developed meaningful relationships with individuals and their families, frequently providing respite care and additional assistance outside of working hours.

In addition to his love of horses, Moe had a fondness for animals of all kinds, as did Bev, who particularly enjoyed birdwatching. She also enjoyed gardening and loved music, being a pianist herself.

Moe, a humble and gentle man, and Bev, a caring, observant, and incredibly intelligent woman, were a perfect pair. And their love for their family was ever so evident. They were constantly present in their family’s lives, never missing an activity or sporting event. Surviving are their six children: Jon (Pam) Hartings, Steve (Kathy) Hartings, Mitch Hartings, Julie Hartings White, Lynne Hartings Orr, and Maria (Oscar) Yeager; 17 grandchildren: Tara (Aaron) Rose, Kristi (Ben) Carrocci, Kelsey (Drew) Neutzling, Karli (Dylan) Blevins, Seth (Jennifer) Hartings, Spencer (Chelsea) Hartings, Max (Leslie) Hartings, Emma (Mike) Lafex, Mollie B. Hartings (Cruize Place), Macie (DJ) Capersino, Ellie (Donjay) Crockett, Claire (Matt) Ross, Colton (Zoe) Orr, Tanner Orr, Grady Yeager, Graham Yeager, and Griffin Yeager; and 19 great-grandchildren: Makenna, Kaleb, Payton, Brycen, Briley, Leena, Deaken, Porter, Brody, Vayda, Saylor, Gia, Charlee, Beau, Everly, Knox, Poppy, Leo, and Aether. Also surviving are Moe’s sisters: Alice Moorman and Doris Imwalle; Moe’s sister-in-law: Arlene Hartings; Bev’s only living extended relative, her nephew: Eric (Jenny) Dodd; and numerous other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

In addition to their parents, Moe and Bev were preceded in death by their son-in-law: John White; Moe’s siblings: Alfred, Elnora, Luella, Richard, Alfreda, Willie, Norma, Vernon, and Ivo; Bev’s sister: Susi Smoot; and Bev’s niece: Kimmi McCord.

Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, October 29, 2026, from 3-7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. A Mass of Christian Burial for both Leo and Beverly will be celebrated on Friday, October 30, 2026, at 11 am at their church, Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 5742 State Route 61, Shelby. Fr. Jeff Smith, their pastor, will celebrate the Mass with burial following in the church cemetery, where Moe will be honored for his service to our country.

Memorial contributions may be made to Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center in Mansfield (raemelton.org/donate) or to the church.

Condolences may be left on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or Facebook page.

Funeral Home: Penwell Funeral Home

Website: PenwellFuneralHome.com