Gladys “Pep” Nelson Hardt

Gladys "Pep" Hardt, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, was ushered peacefully into the presence of her Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ on July 1, 2025, at the age of 93. Born on June 30, 1932, in Chicago, Illinois, the only child of Edward and Gladys Nelson, Pep’s family later relocated during her formative years to western Pennsylvania, where she grew up surrounded by strong family roots.

After high school, Pep pursued her passion for art, attending Indiana State Teachers College in Indiana, Pennsylvania, where she majored in Art Education and was a proud member of the Alpha Sigma Tau sorority. It was during her freshman year that she met the love of her life, Howie, to whom she became engaged. They married just months after her graduation.

Pep embraced her role as an Air Force wife, expertly managing their home and raising their children while Howie, a pilot and officer in the USAF, fulfilled his commitment to his country, often serving overseas. Their Air Force career led them on adventures across the country, from Florida to Hawaii, California, Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan. These many moves fostered countless lifelong friendships, cherished through annual Christmas cards and letters, and continued through Air Force reunions nationwide.

Pep's life was a testament to her unwavering faith and selfless service to others. A woman of strong Christian faith, she deeply loved the Word of God, finding solace and guidance in its teachings, particularly her favorite Bible verse, Philippians 4:11. She poured her energy into various organizations, including her church, Sunday school, Officers Wives Club, and Girl Scouts, always putting the needs of others before her own. From 2006 until her passing, she was also a dedicated member of Bible Study Fellowship. She found joy and expression in working with her hands, through knitting, sewing, and embroidery. Beyond her crafts, Pep was an avid fan of football, passionately following both the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Pittsburgh Steelers. She also dedicated many hours to her love for genealogy, meticulously researching and tracing her family roots back to before the Revolutionary War.

Despite her extensive travels, Pep's heart found its true home during summers at their beloved cottage at Mahaffey Camp & Conference Center, a Christian & Missionary Alliance Camp. It was there, surrounded by family and friends, that she built cherished memories for generations to come. Her life was characterized by servanthood and an exceptional ability to love others well. Through every relocation, she truly "bloomed where she was planted," demonstrating a spirit of contentment no matter life's circumstances.

Pep was preceded in death by her infant son; her beloved husband of 57 years, Howard R. Hardt; her daughter, Holly H. Bourson; and her son-in-law, Daniel J. Bourson. She is survived by her loving children, son Andy (Roxanne) Hardt and daughter Diane (Dave) Kukula. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Erica (Trent) Quiring, Andrew Bourson, Christian Hardt, Emily (Erik) Rau, Connor (McKenzie) Hardt, Sarah (Peter) Atkinson, Rachel Kukula, and Madeline Kukula. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, Noah, Allie, Hazel, Ezra, Eden, and Ezekiel.

Family and friends are invited to honor her life during a visitation on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Schoedinger Dublin, 5980 Perimeter Dr, Dublin, Ohio 43017. An additional visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at First Alliance Church, 3750 West Henderson Road, Columbus, OH 43220. The service time will be 2:00 PM.

Gladys will be laid to rest with her beloved husband, Howard, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, at a later date to be disclosed.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff at Friendship Village of Dublin and Alderwood Health Center for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Pep's name to National Church Residence Hospice in Columbus, Ohio.