Ardith was the only child of Marion William and Velma Dorris (Reynolds) Hartline, born December 31, 1935, in Walker, Missouri. She attended both grade and high school at Walker, graduating in 1953. Following marriage, she lived on an acreage northwest of Walker where the couple farmed for 10 years. They moved into Nevada in 1963 and were divorced in 1973.
Ardith made her public statement of faith in a revival meeting at Walker Christian Church at the age of twelve and was baptized in Melton Creek near Walker by Pastor Wood. In Nevada, she transferred her membership to the Community Christian Church and served in various positions for 30 years. At her death she was a member of First Baptist Church, Nevada, joining membership there in 2003 where she continued to help and support the church.
She enjoyed volunteering in music, bingo, and as needed in Moore-Few Care Center when her mother was a resident. While still working, she did limited volunteering at the former State Hospital in Nevada and delivered meals for the Nevada Regional Medical Center for a few summers.
The only organization to which Ardith maintained a lifetime membership was the Order of Eastern Star. Becoming a member of Walker Chapter in 1959, and Nevada Chapter in 1984, she was active for 40 plus years. Ardith received her 50-year pin in 2009.
Ardith like to travel (she had the opportunity to visit all 50 states) and see the beauty of nature and some of the Natural and Modern Wonders of the World. She especially favored the sea and happily walked the seashore whenever possible. She felt fortunate to live near the Lake of the Ozarks and Ozark Mountains of the Branson area. She like to golf on the beautiful courses and hike in the hills of both areas and attend the varied musical productions of Branson.
Ardith was employed at The Nevada Daily Mail and Herald 12 years and at Cottey College 23 years. She ceased working in 1989 to spend more time with her mother.
Her parents preceded her in death: Marion in 1969 and Velma in 2003. All six aunts and three uncles of the Reynolds family and three aunts on the Hartline side are deceased. Survivors include: first cousins Brenda Westerhold, Stanley Rynard, Nevada, Phyllis Sumner, Metz. Arch Forkner, Richards, and many more second and third cousins. As well as a special second cousin, Sandy Norcross.
Ardith missed the pleasure of having children and more immediate family and therefore treasured the many friends who were a part of her life. A very close friend in Nancy Cramer survives.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at the First Baptist Church in Nevada with Pastors Kevin Daugherty, Ziden Nutt, and Hubert Fox officiating. Interment will follow in Newton Burial Park, Nevada. Friends may call at Ferry Funeral Home now and until noon on Wednesday.
In remembrance of Ardith’s long and dedicated passion and support for Missions, especially GNPI, memorials are suggested to First Baptist Church or Good News Production c/o Ferry Funeral Home.
