Gwendolyn Dora Haynes, daughter of John and Martha Haynes, was born in Great Falls, Montana Feb. 7, 1923 and died August 14, 2022 in Helena at the age of 99. They lived on the family ranch at Clancy, Montana until 1931 when her father died suddenly, at which time her mother and siblings, Jean, David and John, moved to Bozeman. The ranch home continues in the family to this day where a tree, planted in 2014 honors her continuing presence there. She was always proud that her father was born in Montana in 1888 before Montana became a state. Gwen attended schools in Bozeman until her family moved to Big Timber where she attended the 7th and 8th grades. The family moved back to Bozeman where she finished high school at Gallatin High in 1941. She attended MSU and became a member of AO𝞹 sorority, in which her mother had been a Charter member.
In 1946 she married Peter Leo Hartman in Bozeman. In the early years they made their home in Great Falls and also lived in Choteau and Billings before moving to East Helena in 1986. They had seven children John, deceased 2016 (Peg) of Helena; Mary Carol Vidrine (Clyde) of Ruston La.; David (Jane) of Choteau, Mt.; Pete of Helena; Roberta, deceased 1979; Michaelan DeHerrera (Jim) of Whitefish Mt.; and Paul (Sandy) of Mesa, Az.. Her husband Pete preceded her in death in 1993. Her legacy includes 24 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren, 12 great great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who were very dear to her.
Pete and Gwen were members of St. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in East Helena. Gwen was active in her church in many ways and was recognized by the parish for her generosity and efforts. Her faith meant everything to her. She spent many an hour in prayer for her family, friends and especially for young men in the Seminary, following them through the years as they professed their vocations. She had a special closeness with Father Stu.
Gwen was a very cheerful, optimistic person. She seldom complained and was always ready to lend a hand. Gwen was famous for the many nylon net scrubbers she made and shared. She enjoyed joking around with others, especially her grandkids. She loved good music and even composed a couple of songs. The Lord also blessed her with a beautiful voice which will be greatly missed. It is said that she could be heard singing while sitting at the top of Clancy Hill as a youth.
The world was a better place when she was in it, and she leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion. We could not have asked for a better Mother.
The Rosary will be prayed at 10:30 a.m. with visitation beginning at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 22nd at Ss Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, 120 W. Riggs Street. Funeral Mass with begin at 12 p.m. following the visitation. A reception will follow the Mass in the social hall of the church. Burial will follow the reception at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to a food bank in your area or charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Rosary
10:30 a.m.
Monday August 22, 2022
Ss Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Visitation
11 a.m.
Monday August 22, 2022
Ss Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street, Montana 59635
Funeral Mass
12 p.m.
Monday August 22, 2022
Ss. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following the Mass
Monday August 22, 2022
Ss Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Burial
Following the Reception
Monday August 22, 2022
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Rosary
10:30 a.m.
Monday August 22, 2022
Ss Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Visitation
11 a.m.
Monday August 22, 2022
Ss Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street, Montana 59635
Funeral Mass
12 p.m.
Monday August 22, 2022
Ss. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following the Mass
Monday August 22, 2022
Ss Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Burial
Following the Reception
Monday August 22, 2022
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Audrey and Tim Kelly says
Dear Hartman Family – words cannot express the beautiful memories I have of your mother. She was in essence, my Montana mom since 1981 when I came to know your family and the instant connection of love was displayed through this amazing woman. I will always remember her kindness and great conversations we had throughout the years. I am truly blessed to be a part of this family. Gwen is now in the loving arms of Jesus and singing before the Lord. Sending our love, thoughts, and prayers as we celebrate the amazing life of this spiritual woman.
Brad Bomar says
Sorry for your loss
james rehbein says
I am so sorry for the loss of her. She was the greatest person that I had meet. She will be missed and she was well loved by all. I will be thinking of you guys and she will always be in my heart.
Celeste Haynes says
Dear Hartman Family,
Gwen was a very special person who was always a joy to be with. Her devout faith was certainly fundamental in all she did. My memories of her are always ones of much laughter, maybe a new recipe, and a genuine concern for others. The last time I saw her was the summer of 2018 when I stopped at her residential home in Helena. I wasn’t sure she knew who I was but she seemed to and she was beautifully dressed (lipstick, jewelry and all!) with her beautiful smile. You were lucky to have her for so many years.
Scott and Mark join me in sending our deepest sympathy.
Celeste Haynes
Darcy Albert says
Dear Hartman family….we have fond memories of our get-togethers in Great Falls with your family when we were children. Your MOM was very special and as were all of her children. She will be dearly missed. Bless you all and we are so sorry for your loss. May your MOM rest in peace.
From Darcy Schrammeck Albert in Kalispell.
darcy.albert73@gmail.com
Anne and Tom Jacobson says
Pete, so sorry to hear about your mother. She must have been an incredible person.