Steven M. Hardy, 62

Steven (Steve) M. Hardy, 62, of Athol, Idaho, passed away into the arms of Jesus on Nov. 23, 2022, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Steve was born in 1960 in Roseville, Calif., to Walter and Doris Hardy. They later moved to the Coeur d’Alene area in 1968, where he grew up with his siblings, Crystal, Keith and Ryan. As a teen, he loved spending his time outdoors, hunting and fishing. Steve graduated from Lakeland High School in 1979 and married the love of his life, VaNita Geer, later that year. In 1981, they welcomed their first daughter, Rebekah (Becky), and in 1984 they completed their family with Angela (Angie). As a family they were very involved in their local church and loved to go camping, hiking and spending much of their free time outdoors together. Steve was an avid hunter and has a hunting story that can be told about every mountain top or ridge within Northern Idaho and Montana.

Being a kind and dependable father was of the utmost importance to Steve, and he certainly did not disappoint when it came to wholeheartedly loving his family. In 2001, he welcomed his son-in-law into the family when Becky married Benjamin Johnson. In 2003 Steve gained another son when Angie married Jesse Hill. Since then, Steve became Papa to five amazing granddaughters: Kylee and Madison Johnson and Shayla, Riley and Finley Hill.

Steve owned and managed Jiffy Lube in Post Falls and Hayden for 27 years. In 2020, he looked forward to retirement and sold the businesses. Shortly thereafter, he started working for his church doing maintenance projects and serving as needed. Steve and VaNita loved to travel together, spend time with grandkids and serve within their church. They enjoyed camping with friends and family, building a garden together, maintaining his Koi Pond and caring for the wildlife on their 40 acres of property. His love for Christ was evident in how well he served those around him. His wish was that those who knew him would know firsthand the love of Jesus Christ.

In addition to his wife, VaNita, his daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren, he is survived by his parents, two brothers, his sister and numerous nieces and nephews.

Steve is greatly missed yet we find peace in our faith knowing that he is with our Creator. The memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022, at New Life Hayden, 6068 W. Hayden Ave, Rathdrum, Idaho 83858.

Please visit Steve’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.