Ned Carson Hardy

RONAN — Ned Carson Hardy, 84, of Ronan died Aug. 23, 2005, at Village Health Center in Missoula.

He was born July 19, 1921, in Winnett to Bryan and Mabel Hardy. His early years were spent in several small towns where his father worked. He graduated from high school in Joliet.

Ned was hauling hay on Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941, and heard about Pearl Harbor when he returned to town.

He enlisted in the Army soon afterwards, went through cadets and became a pilot in the Army Air Force.

In England during WWII he flew B-17s and later in Japan he flew B-24s. Ned was awarded two Air Medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

He met Merne M. Bonnett in Billings and they were married Aug. 4, 1943. Ned supported his family by working in the woods as a catskinner throughout western Montana, Idaho and Wyoming. He could make a D-8 Cat dance. He passed this skill on to his four sons.

Ranching in the Moiese Valley was added as his family grew up and all nine children learned the value of hard work and the satisfaction of a job well done.

Ned was a 50-year member of Carbon Lodge No;. 65 at Joilet, and a duel member of Flint Creek Lodge No.11 at Philipsburg, AF & AM. Anemone Chapter No. 93, Order of the Eastern Star, will always remember Ned driving hundreds of miles in order to attend meetings and fulfill his duty as Worthy Patron.

Ned was preceded in death by his parents; a younger brother Richard; his son, Kit; his daughter, Susan (David) Price of Stevensville; and a grandson Cale Hardy.

He is survived by his wife Merne of Ronan and seven children: Judy (Bob) Paynter of Helena, Linda (Bruce) Knight of Plains, Bill (Alicen) Hardy of Riverton, Wyo., Jackie Largent of Polson, Nancy (Lyle) Evans of Charlo, Bryan Hardy of Great Falls, Wayne Hardy of Pablo, 30 grandchildren, 28 great-grand children, and his brother David (Lou) Hardy of Hamilton.

A memorial service was held Aug. 26 at the Ronan Church of Latter-Day Saints.