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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Harder, Judy Ann

Age 73

HARDER, Judy Ann Was born in Ritzville, WA on March 18, 1940, to John Jacob and Ellen Harder.

She passed away at her home on the ranch at Hooper on May 18, 2013.

Judy was raised on her family’s cattle ranch south of Ritzville, WA.

Her upbringing was filled with cattle ranching and outdoor activities.

Never one to be confined to the home, she learned her trade alongside her father.

She graduated from Ritzville High School with the Class of 1958.

Her family grew to include her female classmates who were like sisters to her.

The ten classmates, nine of whom had been classmates since first grade, maintained a lifelong bond meeting and vacationing together regularly.

Judy attended WSU from 1958 to 1960 where she began her architecture studies.

She completed her studies at Spokane Community College and shortly thereafter was married to Ron Kite.

She worked briefly in her field of study in Walla Walla and then Spokane before she returned to what she loved most, the ranch.

She and her sons, Kurtis and Kyle, moved to the southern part of the family ranch at Hooper in 1974.

Judy raised her sons while managing the cattle ranch bestowing on her boys her love for the land, the meaning of a hard day’s work, and how to have a good time along the way.

Judy was known for her sense of humor.

Whether it was teasing her grandkids or pulling a prank on a friend, she appreciated humor and shared many laughs with anyone in her company.

She was an amazing hostess known far and wide for the parties she hosted.

She loved to entertain and she established many wonderful family traditions for holiday gatherings.

Judy retired from daily ranching responsibilities in 2008 but stayed very involved in the family business.

Following her retirement, she took interest in the revitalization efforts in LaCrosse, WA working on the committee that brought businesses back to town and always exploring creative opportunities for further development.

She is survived by her two sons Kurtis (Tabitha) and Kyle (Kara); seven grandchildren Brittney (Devin), Corbin, Logan, Madison, Alynn, Ty, and Chase; one great-grandchild Devin; and, her brother John William “Bill” (Marilyn) Harder.

A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held on Thursday, May 23 at 3pm in Hooper, WA.

Memorial gifts may be made to LaCrosse Community Pride at PO Box 321, LaCrosse, WA 99143 or Washington Cattleman’s Association at PO Box 96,-Ellensburg, WA 98926.

Online guest at www.bruningfuneral home.

com.

BRUNING FUNERAL HOME of COLFAX