The Nevada Appeal lost a friend and co-worker last Friday with the unexpected death of Sally Hartzler, 64.
Hartzler joined the Sierra Nevada Media Group at the Lahontan Valley News in December 2005 as a layout artist. In August 2007, she began working at the Nevada Appeal as a real estate layout artist.
Hartzler's layout skills and excellent customer service contributed to a successful department, said Jim Hemig, production director for Sierra Nevada Media Group.
Hartzler often worked directly with Carson City and Gardnerville real estate agents, even delivering copies of the papers to their offices, he said.
"I had always called Sally 'my angel from heaven.' She cared about (clients) as much as I did and always wanted your ads to look good and to be right," said Diane Kneeland, former Nevada Appeal real estate account representative.
"She was such a joy to work with at the Nevada Appeal," said Uno Swede Stolt with Millard Realty & Construction. "Every week we shared about what we had done or were planning on doing for the upcoming weekend. She had such a nice sense of humor and patience."
Hemig said Hartzler loved animals and recently purchased a Westie terrier puppy, named Murphy. Her two cats and the puppy were a big part of her life.
Hartzler also loved Christmas and always put her heart into making it the best for everyone in her department.
"She told us that when she was a child, she had a Christmas tree for each room that was decorated with a different theme. The ad services department not only had a Christmas tree, but was fully decorated with garland and ornaments throughout the department," said Hemig.
"We will remember her best for her easygoing demeanor, her love of photography, and her wonderful graphic design ability. The ad services department is a better team for having worked with Sally. She will be missed."
Private family services will be held in Southern California.