Gil Hartness

Gil Hartness, 80, of Columbus, Indiana, passed away on July 18, 2026, doing what he loved most—working on his beloved farm.

Gil was born in the fall of 1945, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Clarence Hartness and Ellen Mae Hartness. At the age of 14, he moved with his family to Vashon Island, Washington, where he would spend much of his early life. He graduated from high school in 1964 and began working in the family's business, Lloyd's Bakery. Over the years, Gil also did tractor work and became well known as a livestock trader and custom slaughter, earning the respect of everyone who knew him through his honesty, unwavering work ethic, and deep love for animals.

Gil believed that hard work was one of life's greatest values. He passed that belief, along with his love of farming, livestock, and working the land, on to his children. Whether tending cattle, operating his tractor, or building handcrafted birdhouses, Gil found joy in creating, caring for the land, and living a simple, meaningful life.

In 1999 Gil returned to his Indiana roots and purchased land in Brown County, Indiana where he created Harts Haven Farm. There, he built the life he had always dreamed of, raising cattle, working the land, putting up hay, doing tractor work, and enjoying the peace and beauty of the farm he loved so dearly.

Above all else, Gil was devoted to his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Kathy Hartness; his son, C.G. Hartness and wife, Nicole Hartness; his daughters, Dayna Coen and husband, Andy Coen, and Amanda Hartness-Brambley and husband, Brock Brambley; his cousin, Velma Lee and Susan Lee Walberg.

He was a proud grandfather to Tyler Coen, Teila Whitcher, Emmett Hartness, Cody Coen, Anna Mae Hartness, Justin Campbell, Cooper Campbell, Braxton Brambley, Brixley Brambley and Stetson Hartness, and great-grandchildren Carson Rae Coen, Ronan Coen, Hailey and Kaya Hartness, Case Whitcher, and Ada Whitcher.

Gil was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Hartness and Ellen Mae Hartness, and by his siblings, Janet Thiel, Bill Hartness, and Georgia Hartness.

Gil will be remembered as a man of unwavering integrity and remarkable determination. His hands built fences, barns, and a life rooted in family, hard work, and a love for the land. He taught by example that honest work, perseverance, and caring for others were among life's greatest rewards. Gil is one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, believing in the promise of an earthly resurrection (John 11:21-25), helping with God’s original plan to cultivate this earth in peaceful conditions. (Pls 37:10 &11), trusting in God’s Kingdom, to take place not only in heaven but here on earth also (Matthew 6:9-10). At Gils request there will be no services.