Oma Marie Harting

Oma Marie Harting, 65, of Dayton, died March 12, 2025, following a long illness.

She was born in Ridgeway, Penn., to Joseph A. and Oma Marie (Vantassel) Ward on April 21, 1959.

Oma was raised and attended school in Pennsylvania before her parents moved to Dayton, where she attended high school.

She married George Porter, Sr., and they had two sons, George Porter Jr. and Delbert Porter of Colfax. The marriage ended in divorce.

Oma met and married Ron D. Harting of Dayton on May 31, 1994, and the couple made their home in Waitsburg.

She operated Main Street Pizza in Waitsburg for five years. She and Ron were foster parents to 25 young people over the years, and she enjoyed cooking for the Waitsburg Lions Club for a number of years.

Among her favorite things to do were growing flowers, spending time with great-grandchildren, cooking and serving delicious meals, crocheting, and working puzzles. She held a special place in her heart for Dachshunds over the years, especially Rosie.

Oma was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Melissa Harting, sister Angel Ward, brother Bruce Harshman, and stepfather Frank Harshman.

She is survived by husband Ron and Rosie, at home; daughter Angela (Anthony) Powers of Tacoma and son George (Jolee) Porter Jr., Weippe, Idaho; sisters Tammy (David) Clark, Shirley Wreich, Kallie Ward, Jainie Ward; brothers Zach Ward, Doug (Marie) Ward and Joe (MaryAnne) Ward; and step brothers Don (Debbie) Harshman, Ron (Charlotte) Harshman and Troy Aronson; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

A memorial barbecue will be held at a date to be announced later.

Donations in Oma's memory may be made to Tunnels to Tower Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.

Arrangements are under the care of Herring-Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla.