Donald Austin Hartman

Donald Austin Hartman, 89, passed away March 21, 2014. Don was born in Ellensburg on June 25, 1924 to Ella (Amland) and August Hartman. Don grew up on the family farm on the Swauk Prairie and graduated from Cle Elum High School in 1942. He married the love of his life Ruth Olivia Dahlgren on August 19, 1967 and they made their home in Ellensburg. He, along with his brother Ken, was the fourth generation to own, operate, and expand the family farm in the Swauk area. He farmed through the 1990s. He and Ruth enjoyed traveling worldwide in the 1980s and 1990s. Don was an active member of the First Lutheran Church of Ellensburg from 1958-1988 and since then of the Central Lutheran Church in Yakima. He was also a member of the Kittitas County Board of Adjustment for many years through the 1980s. Photography was a favorite hobby of Don’s. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Evelyn Anderson. He is survived by his wife, brother, and six nieces and nephews. Services will be held at 1pm Friday April 4 at Steward and Williams Tribute Center (301 E 3rd Ave.) followed by a graveside service at IOOF Cemetery (1900 Brick Road). A reception for family and friends will follow at the Rodeo City Bar-B-Q (204 N. Main St.). Arrangements under the direction of Steward & Williams Tribute Center, Ellensburg, WA.