Dondi Leon Hartford

On Dec. 21, 2017 Long time Whitehall resident Dondi Leon Hartford accepted his wings and a rode his Harley to Heaven. Dondi was born Aug. 8, 1961 to the late Larry (Papa) Hallila and his wife Betsey Hallila. His surviving siblings include, Stephan & Donna Hartford of Missoula; Robert & Dee Hartford of Oregon; Brian & Robin Hartford of Whitehall; Maria and Husband Kelly of Whitehall; Chris & Suzie Alexander of Boulder and his long time best friend turned Brother Brett Jones.

Dondi attended high school in Helena before entering Anaconda Job Corp where he received his Bachelor's Degree in Welding and Mechanics.

In the summer of 1989, while playing his favorite sport of Baseball, he fell in love with the underpants of Brenda Sue Wardlow. Always he took the position behind her until she finally accepted the position behind him on his Harley. There she rode with him for an amazing 28+ years and together they loved and raised the following children; Kevin & Kaycee Redfield with Alexis & Brook of Whitehall; Beth Ann Hartford of Boulder; Nathan Joseph Bento with "papa's boy" Ashton Douglas & "papa's lil man" Treston Joseph of Whitehall; Tanis Leon & Stormy(aka: George) Hartford with James, Rylee Dawn and due to be born Racelyn Grace(AKA: Gracie) of Salt Lake City; Sierra Dawn & Lago(aka: Les) with Kyleia; Mckinzie(aka: Pete), Zoe Elizabeth & Rowan Leanne of Colorado.

Dondi worked various jobs until settling in with the amazing team at the Whitehall Town Pump. There he grew into manager with the guidance of his respected Bosses and dearest co-workers Tammy Rice & Heather Moore.

Dondi volunteered 15 years and would like to shout out to Ron & Vicky Fuller and everyone with the Whitehall Fire Department.

A special thanks goes to Jonny B, for no matter how sick Dondi felt, coaching the "Misfits" baseball team always warmed his heart & made him smile!

Dondi took great pride in his Gillespie Hunting Camp with the kids and always invited everyone and welcomed all! He also love coaching his son's & grandson's in Wrestling as well as Fishing and the many concerts and yearly trips made with sister-in-law Angela Wardlow to "Rockin the Rivers". Thanks Angela for all the special care received during Dondi's final days.

A special mention goes to David & Debbie (Wardlow) Gurley for all the love and support you gave during this very difficult time.

And a Final Farewell goes with a HUGE Thank you to everyone in the Whitehall Community, for all the Help received in the big move into a little home, provided by the most special and loving mother-in-law Sharon Wardlow. The Building Crew of the new home was amazing and your help will never be forgotten. A special thanks to brother-in-law Francis "Guy" Wardlow for warming our hearts as well as our new home!

Memorial Services are being planned for after the winter months of 2018. Notifications of date, time, & place will go out prior to the service and everyone will be invited and is welcome.