Ethel Marie Harding

Ethel Marie Harding passed away Feb. 1. She was born in Fishtail, Mont., on Sept. 19, 1927, the second daughter of Milton C. Israel and Marguerite C. Hucke Israel. She was raised on farms west of Billings, in and around the Broadview area, until she attended high school. She graduated from Billings Senior High.  She married Warren G. Harding, also from Broadview, on May 6, 1943. After their marriage, Warren was shipped off to the European front in World War II.  During the 31 months he was overseas, Ethel finished school, and went to Calif. to live with her Aunt Marie. While in Calif. she attended Business College and worked to save money toward the down payment of their first home. They ranched and had businesses in and around the Billings area. They moved to a ranch west of Polson in Nov. of 1954. Two children were born to Ethel and Warren. Lana Clair was born in May of 1950 and Warren Greg 1951. While ranching, Ethel started her business career in the Sheriff’s Office of Lake County where she was secretary and Deputy Sheriff under Sheriff Bill Graham. She then worked as Deputy Clerk in the Clerk of District Court’s office. From there she ran for Lake County Clerk and Recorder and held that office from Jan. 1, 1966 until Dec. 31, 1984. After leaving the Clerk’s office, she transitioned to State Senator from Montana Senate District 25 until Dec. 31, 1996. In 1974, after having just graduated from college, and while working in her first teaching assignment, her precious daughter Lana was unexpectedly taken home to heaven. Through this tragedy Ethel’s focus truly turned heavenward and all earthly things took second place. She was on a mission. It was her mission to win, first her family and friends, then Lake County, the State of Montana, and the world for the Lord. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 46 years, daughter Lana, and grandson, Ryan. She is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Kim Harding of Ronan, Montana, Grand-children: Jayme and Keegan Lenker of Pasadena, Calif. Tyler and Katie Harding of Nampa, Idaho, Jenna and Trenton Harding of Ronan, great-grandchildren, Joncee and Kaizlee Lenker and Tatum and Colton Harding, sisters, Betty Rue of Polson Thelma Bartz of Helena, and the sister she raised, Sandra, and Sandra’s husband, Pat Henderson, of Green River, Wyo., sister-in-law, Beulah Kerber of Columbus Mont., numerous and beloved nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many many friends. After leaving public office, she felt God’s call to develop a children’s ministry in Lake County.  This ministry has grown and expanded through the years, and with the help of many other dedicated volunteers, this ministry has impacted the lives of countless children, young people and their families.  Memorial services were held Sunday, Feb. 3. In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to honor Ethel Harding please feel free to give to the children’s ministry that was so dear to her heart. You may do this by sending a check to the Pablo Church of the Nazarene, P. O. Box 276, Pablo, Montana 59855, or online through the Ethel M. Harding Memorial Fund website: www.gofundme.com/1zbf5o. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.