Walter Reed Hardester was born June 10, 1938, in St. Helena, California to Pliny Reed Hardester and Marion Gore Hardester. He passed away in his home in Tremonton, Utah on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, after a long illness.

Wally was raised in Middletown, California alongside his six sisters. He loved sports and participated in football, basketball, and baseball. He also played the trumpet and was a member of the high school band. He graduated from High School in Middletown, California in 1956.

Wally was an avid hunter and was a member of the Guenoc hunting club where he enjoyed hunting with his grandfather, his father, his sons, and his friends.

Walter met Judith Ann Bell when he was in the eighth grade. They began dating in high school and were married September 6, 1958. Together they completed their college educations at San Jose State University where Wally graduated with a degree in Business in 1960. He worked at the San Francisco Emporium for a year before he and Judy moved back to Middletown, California where they became involved in the family grocery and hardware business. Along with being involved with the family business, he was actively engaged in the community. He was a member of the Middletown volunteer fire department, the Middletown cemetery board, and the Middletown school board.

Wally enjoyed the outdoors, and his children grew up taking care of dogs, cats, horses, and other animals.

Later in life, Wally traded his rifle for a camera, preferring to photograph animals rather than hunt them. He loved nature and especially enjoyed taking pictures of wildlife in Island Park and Yellowstone. Wally also enjoyed collecting rocks, watching and feeding birds, and taking family vacations to the ocean with his children and grandchildren.

Having his family together brought him the greatest happiness. Wally and Judy planned every holiday and family gathering with children and grandchildren in mind. They were successful in making everyone feel loved, valued, and important.

Wally was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many callings, including various leadership positions. Wally and Judy served an 18-month mission in the Toronto Canada East Mission office. Together they fell in love with the people of Toronto and appreciated the many different cultures of the people they met.

Wally was the kind of friend everyone hopes to have. He was an attentive listener, a trusted confidant, and a generous friend. He was consistently kind and always went about doing good.

He is survived by his five children: Julie (Kelly) Harris; Greg (Kathy) Hardester; Grant (Stacey) Hardester; Rebecca Hardester; Ross (Emily) Hardester. He is also survived by 20 grandchildren, and 30 great-grandchildren; his sisters Kathy McIntosh, Deanie (Ted) Wilmsen, Karen (Willard) Lipscomb; his sister-in-law, Diane Howlett (Morgan); and brothers-in-law, Bernie McIntosh and Bill Norton, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Judith, on March 4, 2019; his parents, Reed Hardester and Marion Gore Hardester Hyde; his stepfather, Park Hyde; his stepmother, Lena Hardester; his parents-in-law, Sheldon and Donna Bell; his sisters, Deborah Norton, Marianne Hardester, and Jackie Marble; his brothers-in-law, Harry Klarchuck Jr., Phil Howlett, and Duane Marble; his great-grandchildren, Miles Harris and Poppy Bitner; his niece, Katie Howlett; and his nephews, Matthew Norton, Alan Wilmsen, Joshua Lipscomb, and Scott Howlett.

Viewings will be held Friday, July 10, 2026, from 6-8 p.m. at Rudd Funeral Home (111 N 100 E Tremonton) and Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Tremonton Stake Center (660 North 300 East Tremonton, Utah). The funeral will follow at 12:00 Noon.

On August 1, 2026, a luncheon, where memories will be shared, will be held for family and friends at 1:00 p.m. at the Lion’s Clubhouse, located at 15399 Central Park Road, Middletown, California. Burial will be in the Middletown Cemetery.

The family is deeply grateful to Becky, Melinda, Evan, Lori, Savana, Brooke, Tava, Hannah, and all whose help and care allowed Wally to continue to live in his home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to your charity of choice.