Tana Dawn Hartmann

Tana Dawn Hartmann

Beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, Tana Dawn Hartmann, passed away surrounded by her loving family, on Thursday, January 2, 2025. Born to Theda and Hershel Smallwood in Casper, WY, on February 27, 1953, Tana lived a life full of kindness, strength, and dedication. She is survived by her husband of nearly 50 years, Steve; her children, Joel, Mahli, and Stacy; grandchildren, Bailee, Emalee, Devi, and Oakley; great-grandchild, Auden; and her siblings, Sunny Smallwood and Kelly Smallwood. She was preceded in death by her parents, Theda and Hershel, and her brother, Ray Smallwood.

Tana’s life was defined by her compassion and commitment to others, especially through her long, impactful career in healthcare. She began her career in nursing, working tirelessly in settings ranging from clinics to operating rooms, leaving a positive impact on everyone she cared for. While juggling work and raising her children, Tana worked diligently to earn her Master’s degree in Nurse Practitioning at Gonzaga University. For the next 20+ years, Tana dedicated herself to providing exceptional care to the veterans of her community as the primary provider at the Anaconda VA. Her empathy, listening skills, and calm demeanor under pressure made her not only an exceptional nurse but also an amazing mother. Her strong-willed nature and determination led her to achieve many goals, and she encouraged those around her to set high expectations, doing everything she could to help them, as well. Tana was knowledgeable, detail oriented, and calm under pressure. She loved sharing her knowledge, and she passed on her expertise by teaching future nurses and nurse practitioners at Weber State University and Gonzaga University, even taking on the challenge of becoming a preceptor for Gonzaga students. While Tana flourished as an NP, her true passion was her family. She was a patient, supportive, and loving mother, and a dedicated wife and equal partner to her husband. Together, they were able to tackle any challenge that came their way. Her knowledge, problem solving, and resolve made her a force to be reckoned with. Throughout her life, she knew God and kept her faith. Toward the end of her career, Tana selflessly moved to Boise to care for her mother while working full time at the Boise VA.

Tana will be remembered as a remarkable wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who brought warmth, wisdom, and positivity into every life she touched. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she inspired and cared for.

A celebration of life will be held in early summer, 2025, in Lewistown, MT. In lieu of flowers, Tana’s family encourages donations in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association.