Kenneth Hartman

Kenneth Justin Hartman, 92, passed away February 19, 2018 at Meadows Place Assisted Living in Ellensburg. Graveside services was held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday March 1, 2017 at the IOOF Cemetery off Brick Road in Ellensburg. A reception luncheon for family and friends followed at the Ellensburg Presbyterian Church, 1307 Third Ave.

Ken was born in Ellensburg on September 22, 1925 to August & Ella (Amland) Hartman. He grew up on the family farm on the Swauk Prairie and graduated from Cle Elum High School in 1943. He married the love of his life Ruthie Juris on March 7, 1954 and they made their home in the house Ken built on the farm. He and his brother Don were the fourth generation to own, operate, and expand the family farm in the Swauk area. He farmed through the early 2000's. Ken also performed occasional custom backhoe work around the Teanaway, Swauk Prairie and Liberty areas, including digging graves at the Swauk Cemetery over the years.

In 1994 Ken and Ruthie moved to Ellensburg where Ken lived for the remainder of his life, while he continued to farm and, more recently, have a good time on drives with his girls and dogs up to "the ranch". He also enjoyed farm auctions locally and across the state. Ken was on local agriculture committees, including the county Soil Conservation Committee, for many years throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

Ken is survived by his daughters Jeanne Hartman and Julianne (Gary) Hartman-Cutts; grandchildren Sarah Cutts and Grant (Jill) Cutts; four great-grandchildren; as well as three nephews and a niece and their families. He was preceded in death by his wife Ruthie; his parents; his brother, Don Hartman and sister Evelyn Anderson. Ken's family would like to thank and express their appreciation to the caring and loving staff of the Meadows Place in Ellensburg and also to Tamie Howell, Ken's thoughtful and uplifting caregiver for a number of years. Memorial contributions in Ken's honor are suggested to causes or charities that benefit the communities of Kittitas County. Steward & Williams Funeral Home and Crematory of Ellensburg has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.steward-williams.com