Linda Kay Hartford passed away on Friday June 13th, 2025, at Providence Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane, WA, surrounded by her family.  She was 81 years old.

Linda was born January 11, 1944, in Long Beach, California.  She was the cherished daughter of Betty Edwards and spent her early years in Roseburg, Oregon with a large extended family.  Linda went on to complete a Bachelor of Science in English from Humboldt State University.  She was the president of her sorority, Delta Zeta, in addition to being very involved in community work at Humboldt State.  Her leadership capability coupled with her warm presence and kind spirit were evident from a young age, traits that would define her throughout her life.

Linda married George Hartford on April 30th, 1966.  They welcomed two children, Stacy Michelle Hartford McCannon and Jeff Allen Hartford.  Linda and George lived in San Mateo, California, before relocating with their young family to Big Rapids, Michigan, eventually settling in Pullman, Washington in 1979, where Linda made her home for the next 46 years.

In 1988 Linda met Gary Kendall, a dedicated cattle rancher whose strength and quiet humor complimented her vibrant spirit.  They were engaged in 1998 and their partnership spanned over 35 years.  Together they blended their lives and families, travelled the world, embraced adventure, and cultivated a relationship full of laughter, loyalty and lasting memories.

Linda built a distinguished career in real estate in Pullman, serving as Managing Broker for several real estate companies.  Known for her professionalism, integrity, and genuine care for clients, she helped generations of people find homes in the Palouse region. She received countless awards for her achievements in real estate and her leadership and mentorship shaped the local brokerage community for decades.

Linda's commitment to service extended well beyond her profession. She was a devoted supporter of Pullman Regional Hospital; she routinely knitted baby hats for the maternity ward and frequently contributed both time and resources to advance healthcare in the region. Linda was an involved Rotarian in the Pullman Rotary Club, serving as president in 1988, and spending years of service in Rotary.  She was a member of the local chapter of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) and enjoyed spending time with other members regularly.   She also served on the board of the WSU Arts Foundation.  Her volunteer efforts, quiet philanthropy, and ability to bring people together made her a beloved figure across town.

Linda also loved book clubs, bridge groups, local fitness communities and spending time with her family and friends.  She was an avid quilter and loved knitting.  She built a cabin on Coeur D' Alene Lake and enjoyed boating, and spending time on her peaceful deck surrounded by friends. Even in the most ordinary moments, she had a way of making things fun.  Turning errands into adventures, holidays into laughter-filled memories, and conversations into stories worth retelling.

Above all, Linda was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother of a large, close-knit family. She is survived by Gary Kendall, her children; Jeffrey and Stacy McCannon, and Jeff and Lara Hartford, as well as Gary's children, Dale and Alison Kendall, Rod and LeAnne Kendall and Keith and Leanne Collier, and twelve grandchildren, each of whom she adored and supported with pride.  She is also reunited in peace with one grandchild who preceded her in death.  Linda also had countless friends and colleagues whose lives she touched.  Her legacy will live on through all her family and friends.

A memorial celebration will be held at Palouse Ridge Golf Club on Friday June 27th at 5:30p-8p in her honor.  In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to Rotary Club of Pullman.  (Pullman Rotary Club, P.O. Box 335, Pullman, WA 99163). A club dedicated to continuing the legacy of community service and compassion in the Palouse region.