Kenneth Edgar Harding, age 97, of Terry passed away on December 1, 2012 while sitting in his red chair and looking out his picture window.
Kenneth was born October 3, 1915, north of O’Neill, Nebraska, the first child of Irwin and Cora Pearl (Martin) Harding. His early memories of the family farm and life were a source of many stories. When he was eleven, his father made him the “man of the family” shortly before dying. This is a status that he carried throughout his entire life and he bore that responsibility well.
After graduating from Carter County High School in Ekalaka, Montana, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corp where he served proudly and became Sarge to many of the young men. He moved to Ogallala, Nebraska in the late 1930’s where he met his wife Margot Jensen. They were married and raised two sons Kenneth L. and Richard in Ogallala. He was a businessman that had many and varied businesses from bowling to tomatoes, but his love was always in the automobile business. He was a Studebaker dealer and later owner of Keith County Motors where he sold Chrysler, Plymouth and Dodge products until his retirement. In the 1970’s, he played a major role in helping his sons start the next generation of family businesses with the purchase of real estate in Key West, Florida. Then in the 1980’s he helped the family return to Montana and establish Harding Land and Cattle. He and his wife loved their home on the hill beside Lake McConaughy in Ogallala. They hosted many gatherings of family and friends. They created joyful memories that have been shared over four generations.
Kenneth enjoyed his retirement years spending winters in Key West and splitting summers between Ogallala and Montana. When he was no longer able to travel he made his home on the family farm between Miles City and Terry. He loved watching the cattle, field work, trains and his deer that would eat right outside his window.
He loved his wife, sons, daughter-in-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren and always enjoyed the family getting together.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Luella and a brother Wayne. He is survived by his wife of 73 years Margot (Bobbie), sons Ken and Rick, daughter-in-law Patricia, two grandchildren Jeff (Kristine) and Tracy (Paul McElvery) and six great grandchildren. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, their children and friends throughout the country. He was very fond of and grateful for his loyal caregivers over these past years. They were wonderful support and added greatly to his life.
Memorials will be held in many places and at many times over many years, from Key West to California and from Arizona to Montana. These memorials will take place as each of the people who were touched by the “man of the family” pause and realize we have been blessed to have known this man who lived with grace, dignity and never ending love of his wife and family. He will be missed as family and friends gather, but cherished for all his contributions to these gatherings.
Remembrances can be shared with each other and the family via email, facebook, telephone and the written letter that was so loved by Kenneth. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Friends of the Kenfield Gallery, P.O. Box 14, Ogallala, Nebraska 69153, The Prairie Community Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 66, Terry, MT 59349, or to the Evelyn Cameron Heritage Inc., P.O. Box 441, Terry, MT 59349 Should friends desire, condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Gracie Ann Waples Hill says
Dear Harding Family–he was a giant of a man in so many ways. Blessings to all of you. I still remember the story about “Lemon pie” to catch that guy….
Dori Fay says
Great Uncle Ken…what can I say? Words cannot express the true greatness of this man. Anyone who has ever just stood in his presence could feel his strength and encouragement. He and his wife are a true inspiration to us all. I raise a Rum and Coke (“Cuba Libre!” as he used to say) to you, Ken!
Cheryl Neal says
Was sad to hear about Kenneth’s passing but glad that ‘he went gentle into that good night’.
He touched many lives in a positive way over the years, including mine. Rest in Peace, Kenneth. My sympathy and prayers go out to the family.
Jill Sullivan says
Dearest Hardings – whenever I think of Kenneth, all I can see is his beaming smile. He was so warm, so generous, so welcoming. I’m so grateful and blessed to have known him. What a great man he was…Love to you all.
Dick Reitz says
The last time we saw Kenneth
we could tell he was pleased,
he’d been out in the yard
busy, trimming the trees.
Never one to sit idly,
so many appointments to keep,
when the time came to go finally
could only leave in his sleep.
From Phyllis too
Ken & Shirley Ruser says
Our dearest Bobbie, Rick Trish Ken and families,
One of the dearest friends we have ever known has left us, but no one will ever be able to take away the dear memories we have of this loving family. Bobbie and Ken have always been so special to us, and we love them very much. We will miss you dear Ken. Bobbie , Trish Rick and Ken, you are all in our prayers. We are with you in our hearts. My God give you His peace at this hard time in your lives.
Ken & Shirley
Roy McClain( conch curler hairstyling Key west) says
Bobby, I think of the 2 of you every time I pass the house on Von Phister. I have one special memory , when you shared your thoughts with me about God. I Wish only the continued best for you and your family.
Donna Hulme says
A gracious man, my prayers and condolences to the family.
Jacq! (Jacqueline) says
Also in Amsterdam the Netherlands we are sad about Kenneth Sr’s passing. When I think of Kenneth I see him on the side of his ‘date’ Bobbie. I have never seen a more happier couple than those 2. Those 2 together always looked as if they were on their first date, even after so many years of mariage. An exemple for us all!! When I think of Kenneth, I think of his smile,, his ‘in love look’ at his wife, the 3 of us having coffee in their kitchen in Key West, working in the garden of Casa Pobre and having his Rum and Coke and eating his favorite pistachios nuts during ‘Happy Hour’ at the bar where we passed so many precious moments. My love goes out to all the Hardings,. and especially Bobbie. Also from my mother Iet and husband Olivier
YVONNE says
My Pal, My Friend, Kenneth loved Nature, Kenneth loved LIFE
_ ___________________________________________________________ _
“……. as I whisper goodbye to nature
with this tiny bird in the palm of my hands
beautiful golden colors start to surround me
smelling a hint of heaven in my soul
they can take away my bod
but never my heart
looking to the sky
seeing the blossoming Pink nand White flowers
rain upon me
my love is more powerful
then my fear
my heart takes flight with this small bird….
that made my eyes sparkle with happy tears…
into the heavenly world
where only joy is felt ….
Goodbye Bye Blue Jay, Goodbye Humming Bird and Flowers, Goodbye Deer, Bunny, Turkey, Goodbye Pelican and Seagulls, Goodbye my Iquana Friend, Goodbye Smokey, Goodbye Nature ………. GOODBYE KENNETH You will be missed ____YVONNE
John Meyers says
First time I met Kenneth, at La Case Pobre, we had a nice talk. After our first drink he annouced to all that were present “he’s a keeper!”. He knew how to warm up any heart. Happy trails Kenneth. John
Bob and Myrna Manfredini says
Bobbie and Family,
What saddness in reading Ken’s passing. We feel so fortunate to know you both. What a gentleman.
I’ll always remember the day he offered to start Myrna’s car.
We missed you both these last few years.
Hopefully, Bobbie, we’ll see each other again.
The Manfredini’s……….Bob & Myrna…….Key West, FL
Olga Victores (Stadium Staff) says
Ms. Bobbie,Ken,Rick and The Harding Family,
We are deeply sadden for the great loss of Mr. Ken, he was a great gentleman with a nice smile….. Olga & Carlos Victores Key West, Fla
Gerald and Kathie Berry says
Our deepest sympathy to the Harding family. Ken was a very good family friend. We have so many fond memories, one time we went on a long cattle drive. Ken drove the chuck wagon (Studebaker) and Kenny L rode horseback. Somewhere there is some of this on a home movie. Prayers to your family.
Margie Jacobsen says
Ken was always a real gentleman. I was fortunate to meet him at PCH. My thoughts are with Bobbie, Ken, Rick and the rest of Kenneth’s family and many friends.
EmilyMcElvery says
My great grandpa was such a wonderful man. I feel so lucky I was able to get to know, meet, and love him. I just got to spend time in Montana with Great Bobbie, Grandma, Grandpa, my aunt and uncle, and cousins. It meant the world to see their faces, but there was still an emptiness without him there. I’ve never spent a Christmas without his smile, laugh, and kind heart. His wonderful qualities such as his smile, laugh, dedication, and all around happiness(and that’s only a few) will help us remember the happy times and cherish them always. I miss him so much and as do all of his family and friends. My thoughts are with all of you, and I know it meant the world to him to have so many special people in his life.
Sydnye Andrews says
Kenneth will be greatly missed. He was a role model and inspiration to all. He loved his family and friends deeply and we all felt the love. He had the most magical smile. I am glad those are the memories I will have of him.
Love to all the family,
Sydnye
Laurie Adams Hovendick says
Dear Margot and family,
I was so sorry to hear about Mr. Harding. I will always have fond memories of babysitting his grandchildren, spending time at your home at Lake McConaughy. One special memory I have is ice skating in the bay with Lesa Draucker, then coming up for hot chocolate that Mrs. Harding had made for us. I appreciate the support your family has offered mine throughout the years. Mr. Harding will be remembered as a man of strong character and integrity. I pray that you find comfort in Jesus and in the love of family and friends.
Sincerely, Laurie Adams Hovendick
Linda R Ohlson says
My dear Uncle Ken; who was the stoic leader of the Harding clan. He upheld those leadership qualities; honesty, integrity, physical and emotional strength, resiliancy and warmth. From a niece’s point of view,m I admired his love of family and his appreciation for life’s gifts. His smile and laugh and clear blue eyes will be missed.