Ardis W. Smith

Ardis W. Smith, 88, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Saturday, February 2, 2013, at Lexington Regional Health Center. She was born May 1, 1924, in Kearney, Nebraska, to Harry and Dortha (Bowen) Wilke. Ardis was a 1941 graduate of Wood River High School. She then went onto further her education at Kearney State Teacher’s College. She taught for a time in rural schools and Morton Elementary in Lexington. Ardis was united in marriage to G. Hanford Smith on April 6, 1947, at the United Methodist Church in Lexington. Four children were blessed to this marriage; Sheryl, Susan, Steve and Sally. Ardis was a stay-at- home mother who encouraged her children to be active in activities both at church and at school. She was a Cub Scout pack leader and Girl Scout troop leader. She was a member of Dawson Chapter #33 Order of the Eastern Star. Ardis was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church in Lexington where she served on several committees, belonged to Esther Circle and taught Sunday school. She enjoyed belonging to Lakeside Country Club and playing golf, attending Nebraska Cornhusker football games, yard work, gardening, sewing, cross-stitch, cooking, and made the best chokecherry jelly! Ardis so loved having her family over for gatherings and trying new recipes for the family’s enjoyment. Ardis is survived by her children; son, Steve (Mary) Smith of Lexington, Nebraska; daughters, Sheryl (Rex) Hunt of Lexington, Nebraska; Susan (Bob) Wallace of Kearney, Nebraska; and, Sally (Ed) Stuckey of Appleton, Wisconsin; sister, Jean (Marvin) Gehle of Albert Lea, Minnesota; ten grandchildren, Wendy Hunt (Stephen Benge) of Denver, Colorado; Stacey Hunt of Lexington, Nebraska; Sarah (Sean) Hickey of Denver, Colorado; Tracy (Colin) Parsons of San Diego, California; Tami (Eric) Wong of San Francisco, California; Kyle Smith of Lexington, Nebraska; Cameron Smith of Lexington, Nebraska; Rachel Stuckey and fiance’ Erich Schwarz of Madison, Wisconsin; Ben Stuckey of Appleton, Wisconsin; and, Allyson Stuckey of Stevens Point, Wisconsin; six great-grandchildren; Jaden Hunt, Tate and O’Brasia Amos, and Olivia, Lily and Luke Parsons; as well as nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Ardis was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, G. Hanford on January 13, 2013; brother, Lyle Wilke, and sister, Doris Spencer. Funeral Services will be Thursday, February 7, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Lexington with Reverend Tess Hufford officiating. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington. Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 6, 2013, from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church, Lexington Community Foundation or Lexington Volunteer Fire Department. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.