Ardis L. Nelson

Ardis Louise (Olson) Nelson was born August 23, 1937, to parents Martin and Gladys (Eckman) Olson.  She was the second daughter born to the family which was comprised of six children: Merwyn (Deceased), Donald, Kenneth (Deceased), Darrell (Deceased) and Darlene(deceased).  The family lived on a farm east of Lake Preston.  Ardis attended Baker #5 Grade School and graduated from Lake Preston High School in 1955.  She was baptized and confirmed at the Lake Preston Lutheran Church.  

 
She met a young fellow from north of town and soon they were in love.  She married Robert K Nelson on September 25, 1955, at the North Preston Lutheran Church and she soon became a member of the church and the community.  She was active in Ladies Aid, Sunday School, Luther League and anything else that she was called upon to do.    Bob and Ardis lived on the Nelson family homestead and were blessed with three children:  Keith, Michael and Karen.  Ardis did everything a typical farm wife would do in those days on the farm.  From bottle feeding bucket calves to raising a garden.  She helped her children wash and prepare their animals for 4-H shows and tended to their home.  When Karen was in sixth grade, Ardis joined the workforce and began working in town.  Ardis attended a course through the University of North Dakota (UND) and became a Certified Dietary Manager.  She worked for many decades in that field until retiring after Bob’s passing in September of 2000.  After retirement, she kept busy watching children throughout the community.  Ardis enjoyed doing embroidery work. Many people have been gifted with dish towels that she lovingly created.

Her favorite calling, however, was that of grandmother.  She loved nothing more than spending time with her granddaughters: Megan, Mallary and Kari.  In 2011, she was gifted another title; great-grandmother which she wore with pride.  Natalie, Isabel and Ryan were the sparkle of her eye, and she loved them completely and totally.  She loved holidays and would acknowledge even the smallest holiday (May basket day) with a card and some money.  She loved Easter egg hunts, even hiding money inside of a loaf of baked bread one year.   She loved a rousing game of bingo and laughed with glee during the family’s annual Christmas saran ball game.    She also enjoyed her Tuesday afternoon card games and volunteering at the Lake Preston Food Pantry.

Ardis passed away peacefully on December 10, 2024, at the age of 87 under the care of hospice with her daughter by her side.

Ardis is survived by her children; Karen’s husband Jeff; Megan’s husband Drew; Mallary’s husband James; Kari’s husband Jim.  Her great grandchildren Natalie (Mallary and James), Isabel and Ryan (Megan and Drew).  She is also survived by her brother Donald, many nieces and nephews and her dear friend Janet Nelson.   
 
She was proceeded in death by the love of her life Bob, her parents, three brothers, one sister and her grandparents.   
 
A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024, from 5-7 p.m. at the Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Arlington, SD.  The family wishes to thank everyone for the cards, calls, texts and prayers during Ardis’ illness.  The love and support were apparent and amazing.   

Undesignated memorials will be given to the North Preston Lutheran Cemetery.

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