Jimmy and Ruth Hardy

Jimmy W. Hardy and Ruth A. Hardy passed away on March 13, 2025. Both were loved by and survived by their sons, Jeffrey Hardy, Jon Hardy and Jason (Jane) Hardy; their grandsons, Jeffrey (Christina Hauser) Hardy, Kyle Hardy, Dakota (Jomary) Hardy and their great-grandchildren. There were preceded in death by their parents and a still-born son, Jimmy Hardy Jr.

Jimmy Hardy was born February 4, 1947 in Jackson, Mississippi. When he left home he went into the U.S. Army, where he met Ruth Hardy. They married shortly thereafter. After basic training, Jimmy and Ruth moved to Battle Creek, MI where they resided for the rest of their lives. About 3 months after the marriage Jimmy had to leave to go to Vietnam. He was in Vietnam for about half of the time he was supposed to be there and was sent home due to the loss of his first child, Jimmy Hardy, Jr. He was then sent back to Vietnam to finish up his time there.

Upon his return from Vietnam, he found employment with Michigan Paper Board and held many different job titles, the last of which was as the lead pipe fitter/welder. He retired at the age of 65 in 2012 and spend the rest of his life doing what he loved to do and that was spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. After retirement he started attending the Salvation Army Church with the rest of his family. He will be greatly missed by many friends and family.

Ruth Hardy was born October 17, 1947 in Kalamazoo, MI. When she left home she went into the U.S. Army, where she met Jimmy Hardy. They married shortly thereafter. After basic training, Jimmy and Ruth moved to Battle Creek, MI where they resided for the rest of their lives. About 3 months after the marriage Jimmy was sent to Vietnam and she was alone for the 13 months that Jimmy was to be in Vietnam. When Jimmy went to Vietnam, Ruth was pregnant with their first child; unfortunately the child passed away before brith. During the hard time Jimmy was allowed to come home from Vietnam. Jimmy was then sent back to Vietnam and Ruth was alone yet again. At the end of his time in Vietnam he came home and both Jimmy and Ruth lived a very happy married life. She was homemaker and loved to spend time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A memorial service to celebrate Jimmy and Ruth’s lives will be Sunday, May 25, 2025 (this would have been their 58th wedding anniversary) at the Salvation Army in Battle Creek. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army. Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.