G. "Ardele" (Firestone) Hawman

Grace “Ardele” Hawman passed away on January 22, 2025, at her home in Hermiston, Oregon, at the age of 95 surrounded by loved ones both near and far. Ardele was born on July 15, 1929 in Vancouver, Washington to Chester and Altha Firestone. She grew up on her family farm in Vancouver and graduated from Vancouver High School in 1947. After high school, Ardele attended Clark Community College and Oregon State University, where she graduated in 1951 with a degree in business. While at OSU, she met the love of her life, Phillip Arthur “Phil” Hawman. They were married in December of 1952.   
Ardele moved to Texas, Georgia, and California with Phil while he served in the United States Air Force. After Phil completed his military service, the couple bought a 97-acre farm outside of Dayton, Oregon. They worked hand in hand to grow their farm to 1200 acres. Ardele was heavily involved in the bookkeeping of the farm operation, and on occasion she could be found driving a truck full of produce to the cannery. In addition to her contributions to the farm, Ardele lovingly raised five children. 
Ardele and Phil moved the farm to Hermiston, Oregon in 1982. Before the move, Ardele made Phil promise he would build her a new home and build the shop area away from the house. He kept his word. Eventually the farming operation expanded to include her son, Mike, and two of her grandsons, Alex and Kevin. Ardele’s “happy place” was on the farm. She took her last combine ride this past summer at age 95 with her grandson Kevin. 
Ardele was a friend to all. There were always fresh cookies or a meal to be shared with those who entered her home. She could chat with anyone, and you always went away feeling more loved. Ardele loved people and looked for opportunities to be of service to others. Of her many hobbies, two of her favorites were gardening and feeding a large flock of quail that lived in her yard. Ardele loved God, her country, her family, and life. 
Most importantly, Ardele was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She is survived by her five children: Susan Karschnia of Richland, Washington; Karen Blunck of Canby, Oregon; Linda von Borstel of Grass Valley, Oregon; Mike Hawman of Hermiston, Oregon; and Judy von Borstel of Grass Valley, Oregon; her brother Merril Firestone of Vancouver, Washington; 16 grandchildren and 40 great grandchildren. Ardele leaves behind a legacy of 80 family members. 
Ardele was preceded in death by her parents Chester and Altha Firestone, her husband Phillip Arthur Hawman, and her siblings Hal Firestone and Maxine Dereiko. 
A graveside service will be held on Monday, February 10th at 1:00 PM at the Hermiston Cemetery, followed by a celebration of life at 2:00 PM at the Hermiston Nazarene Church. 
In lieu of flowers, please plant a rose for Ardele or make a donation to Good Shepherd Hospital’s Vange John Memorial Hospice Education Program.
 
“Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.” Anonymous.

Please share memories of Ardele with her family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com

Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, Oregon is in care of arrangements. 

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