Rodney Hardy

Rodney "Rod" Hardy passed away April 29, 2023 at his home in Worden, MT. Rod was born on December 27, 1954, in Billings, MT, to Dan Hardy and Gay Stapleton Hardy. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, and friend.

Rod attended Senior High, but dropped out to enlist in the Army, after earning his GED. He served in the 8th Cavalry, achieved top security clearance as a radio operator, and was awarded a Defense Service Medal. He was proud to have served his country, and was discharged in 1974. After his service, he worked as an ironworker with Local Union 708, working on many projects around the state of Montana, including the 1st Interstate Building in downtown Billings. Later he became a truck driver with the Teamsters, hauling freight across the country for many years. Later in life he tried his hand at owning the Boyd General Store and serving as the Postmaster General in Boyd, MT.

In his free time, Rodney enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and backpacking. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed spending time in nature. In particular he loved river rafting, and participated in the Yellowstone Boat Float for many, many years. He loved animals and dogs in particular loved him back. He will be remembered for his kind and generous spirit, his quick wit, his strong work ethic and his easy-going nature.

Rodney is survived by his sister, Debbie Hardy, his son Thaddeus Hardy, his daughter Megan Smith, his grandsons Austin and Keelan Smith, his granddaughter Rylynn Smith, his nephew Joshua Hardy, and his niece Renee Tracy.

A funeral service for Rodney will be held on Monday, May 15th, at 1 pm at the Yellowstone National Cemetery in Laurel, MT, followed by a reception at Dahl Funeral Chapel in Billings, MT at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter.

Rest in peace, Rod. You will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who knew and loved you.