Mary Locke Hardesty

Mary Locke Hardesty passed away peacefully at home on May 7, 2026, in Temecula, CA at the age of 85. She was born on August 25, 1940, in St. Paul, MN.

Mary attended two years of college at San Jose State University. She went on to be a pioneer in law enforcement and proudly served as one of the first uniformed Police Matrons with the Mountain View Police Department. She later worked with both the Imperial Beach Police Department and the Chula Vista Police Department in administrative support capacities. Her work was essential to the functioning of these departments and reflected her professionalism, dedication, and deep commitment to public service. She was genuinely loved by everyone who worked with her.

Mary was a member of the Christian faith, which was an important part of her family values.

In addition to her professional career, Mary continued her lifelong dedication to helping others through volunteer work. She delivered Meals on Wheels in Chula Vista and served as a volunteer driver for pro tennis players during the Indian Wells tennis tournaments, and for senior citizens for the City of Oceanside. She always supported her children’s sports and activities, frequently taking on team-mom and board-of-director roles. Her generosity of time and spirit made a lasting difference in the lives of many.

Above all, Mary was known for her warm, loving, and jovial personality. She had a genuine love for people, never met a stranger for long, and was happiest when she was making others smile. She had an infectious smile and a laugh that was truly contagious. She was always up for anything, embraced life with openness and curiosity, and loved a good joke.

She especially loved spending time with her family and friends and was always eager to be part of any activity—swimming, playing softball, tennis, racquetball, cornhole, croquet, and various card games. She loved to dance with her husband, and those moments together reflected the deep love and joy they shared. They enjoyed over 64 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and devotion.

She loved her children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter fiercely, and was always their biggest cheerleader. She is survived by her devoted husband, John William Hardesty; her daughter, Joleen Rae Buxbaum; and her son, Jeffrey Scott Hardesty. She is also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, Amanda Jo Buxbaum, Abby Jeanne Buxbaum, and Jake Thomas Henbest, as well as her great-granddaughter, Raelyn Jean Welker.

Mary’s life was defined by her love for her family, her service in law enforcement, and her lifelong commitment to caring for others. She will be deeply missed, but her warm spirit will live on in every life she touched.