Marianne Golightly Hartness

February 11, 1927 - July 16, 2016

Marianne Golightly Hartness, age 89, passed away on July 16, 2016, at the Bridges Assisted Living in Edinburg, Texas. She was born February 11, 1927, to Jack Dee and Annahlee Adams Golightly, in Childress, Texas. Following the hurricane of 1933, the family moved to the Valley as Mr. Golightly worked with Central Power and Light Co. to replace electrical lines that were downed by the storm. After several years of traveling around Texas with CP&L, the Valley became their permanent home. After graduating from PSJA in 1944, Marianne attended Edinburg Jr. College, until she left to marry her high school sweetheart, Robert Hartness, in Wichita Falls where he was serving in the Army Air Corps as a cadet pilot trainee. They returned to the Valley where Robert worked in the produce business while Marianne was occupied with Brownie and Girl Scout troops, teaching Sunday school, substituting in the PSJA school district and pursuing her artistic interests. In 1970 Marianne joined KRGV-TV Channel 5 in Weslaco as Commercial Artist where she created commercials by hand in the art department. Soon she was assigned voice over radio and TV commercials, created studio weather maps and painted scenery. Later she hosted the 8:25 a.m. news show titled "Take 5 with Marianne" and a 5-minute "Winter Texan Report." She continued the artwork and live TV shows until 1977 when she left for a 20 year banking career starting in a position with McAllen State Bank for public relations, business development, and marketing. She was responsible for the annual Tip 'O Texas exhibit and Photo Fest. In 1992 she joined Glen Roney at Texas State Bank until her retirement in 1997. Marianne had memberships in Organization of Women Executives, McAllen Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, McAllen Citizens League, and First United Methodist Church. Volunteer activities included Easter Seals, Heart Association, United Way, Hidalgo County Cotillion Board, March of Dimes, and Rio Grande Valley Cancer Golf Classic. In 1988 she received an "Outstanding Professional Woman Award" from the Professional Women's Club of McAllen. Over the years, Marianne and her husband, Robert, spent many hours together deep-sea fishing in the Gulf and bird or deer hunting. After retiring from the bank, she revived her interest in art and created small acrylic paintings known as Mini-Art by Marianne as well as hand painted ostrich eggs. Marianne is survived by her two daughters and sons-in-law Karen Janak (John Sr.) of Austin, and Robin Cramer (David) of McAllen; grandchildren Kevin Janak of Rockwall, Courtney Janak Tan (Ju Meng) of Santa Fe, NM, Chris Janak (Simone) of San Anselmo, CA, John Janak Jr. (Lecya) of McKinney, Carey Cramer of Portland, OR, and Marissa Cramer (Chris Webb) of Venice, CA; and cousins Dr. Ken Adams of Fredericksburg, W.O Adams of San Angelo, and Bill Boyd of Lubbock. She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Robert, and parents, Jack and Annahlee Golightly. Suggested memorials: FUMC Building Fund, PO Box 2885, McAllen, TX 78504 or a charity of your choice. Marianne chose cremation. A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 17 at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 4200 N. McColl Road in McAllen with Rev.Robert Perales officiating assisted by Rev. Bill Henderson and Chaplain Bert Jaime. Kreidler Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.