Wendy Symmonds Hartman died at home after battling ALS on December 9, 2023 in Lead, South Dakota.

Wendy was born in Astoria, Oregon on  April 5, 1955 to Harold and Frances (Castle) Symmonds. Wendy was raised in Astoria and graduated from Astoria High School class of 1973. She attended the University of Oregon and returned home working at the Astoria plywood mill. In 2016 she retired after 20 years of working at the Post Office in both Kelso, Washington and Lead.  She was a die-hard Oregon Ducks fan and master of all needle working and crafts. She was an active member of the Lawrence County Republicans and knitting club. She loved donating her time and was famous for making jam and giving to everyone.

She married Thomas Hartman on October 19, 1993 who preceded her in death on October 14, 2000.

In one of those rare notebook love stories her partner of 23 years and the love of her life Stephen Butsko entered into death by her side on December 9, 2023.

She is survived by her daughter Frances Dugan of San Diego, CA,  sons Nathan Dugan of Spearfish, SD and Leland Billings of Grants Pass, OR; step-son Mike Butsko of Temecula, step-daughters Michele Dossett of Knoxville, TN and Lori Hartman of Clovis, CA; sister Sadie Symmonds of Astoria and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a sister Susan Lee and a brother Harold Symmonds.

A joint celebration of life for Wendy and Steve will be held in South Dakota on April 26, 2024 at 2pm at the Tin Lizzy Gaming Resort in Deadwood. Her ashes will be laid to rest at Ocean View Cemetery in Warrenton, Oregon open to the public on May 3rd, 2024 at 11 am. Following will be a joint celebration of life for Wendy and Steve, at Pier 39 at 1:00 pm. In remembrance of Wendy Hartman and Steve Butsko, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to the ALS Association in their honor.

Arrangements are under the care of Lead-Deadwood Memorial Chapel in Lead. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com