Obituary of Ardis Herman

The family of Ardis Herman would like to thank everyone who took part in the nurses honour guard at the service. It was very special to us and we sincerely appreciated the gesture. Mom would have loved it!! Obituary - Ardis Lenore Herman On Sept 19, 2010, Ardis Lenore Herman passed away unexpectedly in the Lloydminster Hospital. She is survived by her loving husband Sam; 5 children, Doug (Lucy), Deb (Barry), Ken (Joan), Janice (Rick) and Cheryl (Morgan); 10 grandchildren, Joel, Chelsea, Evan, Aaron, Corey, Michael, Danica, Nicole, Jeffrey, and Christopher. Ardis is pre-deceased by her parents, Samuel and Margaret Olson, and her brother Lloyd. Ardis was born in Admiral SK on Jan 31, 1931. She attended high school at Luther College in Regina and then obtained her RN at the Grey Nuns hospital in Regina. Her nursing career started at the Fort San TB Sanatorium in Fort Qu'Appelle. Ardis first met Sam while she was at Luther College. They were married in Swift Current SK in 1953. Ardis worked nights as a private duty nurse, with 3 small children at home, until the family moved to Ontario in 1958. She then stayed home to raise a family of 5. Upon moving to Lloydminster, Ardis renewed her nursing certification and went on to become Head Matron at Dr. Cooke Nursing Home, where her caring and compassion were always evident. She later became an active partner with her daughters at the Panhandler. Her hobbies and interests included Petite-pointe, quilting, gardening, and spending time in her yard. Ardis was truly devoted to her family and she was always happiest when she was with them. She enjoyed providing for her family, and was an amazing cook and homemaker. Funeral service is being held at: First Lutheran Church 2925 57 A Ave Lloydminster, AB 2 PM Lunch to follow In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Canadian Alzheimer Society Luther College, Regina SK EULOGY Ardis Herman was first and foremost a consummate daughter, wife, mother and grandmother. Her greatest joy and happiness came from her devotion to family. While on occasion her family might also have caused her the greatest consternation, it was Ardis' grace and dignity while exemplifying the very best in values and character under all circumstances, and instilling these in those most beloved to her, that best define her legacy. Ardis Lenore Olson was born in Admiral, Saskatchewan on January 31, 1931. Raised on a farm with one older brother Lloyd, her family raised cattle, pigs, poultry and grains on ¾ of a section of land in southwestern Saskatchewan. Her father, Samuel Kristian Olson, was the only one of several Norwegian brothers to remain in Canada following one of their 'work visits' to this country in the 1920s. Her dad had been working for Ardis' grandfather Louis Wickstrom (a Swedish-American immigrant to Canada via Minnesota) when he met then married Ardis' mother, Margaret Minerva Wickstrom. Ardis was a kind and unselfish person, and always thought of others before herself. Her caring and compassionate nature led her naturally to pursue nursing as a calling. Grandma Olson often said that Ardis always wanted to be a nurse and she enrolled at Luther College in Regina to complete her high school and then to study nursing in that city. Always supportive of their children, in the winter her parents would go to Calgary to generate additional income, in part to help support Ardis' education at Luther College. Ardis started her nursing training at the Grey Nuns hospital in Regina, where she became a Registered Nurse, and then moved on to the tuberculosis sanatorium in Fort Qu'Appelle. It was during this period that Ardis met the love of her life, Samuel Herman. Even after marrying Sam, and starting and raising a family, she continued to work part time as a private duty nurse. Later in life, Ardis renewed her nursing certification, and ultimately became the head nurse at the Dr Cooke nursing home in Lloydminster. Ardis was a beautiful person, and also very beautiful. There is good reason that Sam was instantly attracted to her, after being introduced through his sister Claire, a classmate of Ardis. A cousin has said that you could just see the sparks flying between Sam and Ardis right from the beginning. While Ardis was a person who would never purposely seek to command the attention of a room full of people, she would readily light up any room with her wonderful smile. This ability to brighten others through her presence continued until her very last days. Quiet poise, calmness, dignity, and grace are other words that readily come to mind in describing Ardis' presence and the lasting impressions she made on others. Following a courtship of 3 years, Sam and Ardis were married in December 1953. For the next 56 years Ardis continually exemplified devotion and commitment, both to her husband Sam and to her family. As the family grew, Ardis' caring and compassion was directed toward raising her 5 children (in order: Doug, Deb, Ken, Janice, and Cheryl). They were truly blessed to have her as their mother. And she often told Sam that her children were her most precious gift. In their first 14 years of marriage, there were 7 different houses (not including hotel rooms, tents, travel trailers, and cabins as temporary lodging), and Ardis quickly and efficiently turned each of these houses (no matter how humble) into homes for the family. Indeed, Ardis' incomparable homemaking skills have made lasting impressions on many, even to the point of changing some of us for the better! Family life together was sometimes an adventure. Besides moving across the country and back, starting a new business can mean a change in lifestyle. When the family moved to North Battleford in December 1962, there was a significant drop in income and another baby on the way. Ardis needed a car to ferry children from A to B, pick up groceries, and to handle other household outings. Sam, as a farm equipment dealer, had opportunities to take any manner of item on trade. One happened to be Ardis' first car - a '54 Plymouth. On a regular trip for groceries, with kids in tow, smoke began to billow from the dash. Fortunately this happened right in front of the fire chief's house; unfortunately, the fire chief was not home. Ardis calmly and safely removed her children and was rescued a short time later. The car didn't survive. While car fires didn't faze her, Ardis was quite fearful of water (perhaps a result of being raised in southwestern Saskatchewan in the 1930s?). When the time came for the 'final' move to Lloydminster, the Herman house wasn't yet ready, so the family spent the summer at the lake (Sandy Beach) - and they had a boat. With 5 children ages 6 to 14 madly running off in all directions - floating on inner tubes, paddling in canoes, swimming, and riding in the family boat - Ardis really was over-extended. Can't you just imagine the joy, the happiness, and also the noise, the chaos, the anxiety? While water sports weren't on Ardis' top list of things to do, she did pursue several other recreational activities. One of these was playing cards, no doubt encouraged by Sam's seemingly unlimited passion for games like Bridge, 500 and Kaiser; each demanding a "willing" partner. While Ardis was surely the perfectly matched partner and foil for Sam - he a serious and risk-taking card player, she a more pragmatic and cautious bidder— for her cards was often less a pastime as it was a useful tool for managing a household full of males during large family gatherings. Speaking of which, besides being a renowned keeper of the home, Ardis also achieved near-maestro status in the preparation of family feasts at large family gatherings like Thanksgiving and Christmas. The conducting of an symphony orchestra is an apt metaphor to use in describing Ardis' abilities in preparing and coordinating her many marvelous cooking and baking creations to completion on time. Even as her children and their families grew up and moved away, all fondly remembered and looked forward over and over again to the large gatherings for holidays and special occasions that brought children and grandchildren together. No Christmas would be complete without Grandma's lefsa (a Norwegian specialty) and her famous baked buns (did I mention the buns…?). And it wasn't just the large family meals that were always boisterous and enjoyable, it could be a sandwich made to order, or her own famous baked macaroni and cheese that formed the catalyst for some great meals and conversations. As her children grew and went away to school, her "care-packages" became legend (and yes, they always included buns!). While Ardis clearly enjoyed preparing such feasts and the ensuing family gatherings, it is more than likely that she quietly 'just' tolerated some of the more boisterous and impassioned conversations that sometimes ensued at the dinner table. Though it was not in Ardis' nature to vocalize her disapproval of such things, she had a subtle, convincing and effective way of returning the dignity to the table when discussions got a bit too heated! Indeed, Ardis held very strongly to her values and in her quiet way would never compromise her integrity. Although she seldom visibly displayed anger, any member of the family knew when mom was not pleased. She instilled the difference between right and wrong in her children from a very early age; which proved valuable as the children grew into their teenage years, and sometimes strayed. Ardis, through example, always served as the compass that brought them home. Ardis had a strong work ethic. She was never satisfied unless a job was done right; whether that involved her own home and yard (which were always immaculate), or helping one of her children in their home or yard. While working in the business with her daughters at the Panhandler, she would work side by side with people half her age, and seemed to get twice as much done. She tended to command respect by leading by example. Of course, those who most deserve our respect are also often the most humble in their ways. For those of you who knew Ardis, can you imagine her riding a horse through thigh deep snow, trying to round up a wild run away 4H calf? Not hers, but that of her youngest daughter? Ardis would do pretty much anything for the family, which included helping with the care and feeding of animals brought home by Sam and/or the kids. Whether a legitimate 4H animal or rescued dogs and cats brought home by her children, Ardis accepted them all. In fact, she sometimes more than just accepted the pet, Ardis would provide extra special attention. One very special dog was served bacon and eggs many mornings while the rest of the family feasted on cereal. A certain cat with a Swedish first name was well known for his fondness for milk and ice cream, thought to have been acquired during an extended stay with Ardis. Ardis' father passed away shortly after she married Sam. Ardis not only raised 5 children, she also filled a void in her mother's life as a life-long companion. Grandma Olson lived near or with the family until her passing. Together they formed a culinary partnership that fed the family better than most (a gross understatement!), and the smell of their fresh baking attracted kids from around the neighborhood. While the meals usually were not exotic, Ardis could transform the simplest of fare into a delicacy (did I mention the buns?). Supper time could be chaotic at times, with children's activities, and Sam's work, but it was important for Ardis to have the family together for the evening meal. It often was the forum for discussion, debate, and laughter. Grandma and Grandpa's acreage was a special place. For 30 years, it was the gathering place for family. Whether a stop for coffee (often with fresh-baked buns), a playground for children, a temporary warehouse or a junkyard for decrepit automobiles of a son (1962 Biscayne), or a daughter's suitor (1962 Volvo), a warm place to celebrate Christmas and holidays, a football field, a menagerie for pets, it always felt like home. The grandchildren loved to be there, and Grandma was always there to look over them and after them. In the last few years of her life, like her brother before her, Ardis' day-to-day life was impacted by Alzheimer's disease. Through the progression of the disease - thankfully, much slower than it might have been - Ardis maintained her quiet dignity and charm. She never complained. Ardis also suffered broken ribs and a broken shoulder from a couple of falls; though frail, she still possessed her inner strength, and never complained. However, the woman who had always been the care-giver to so many, for so long, now depended on others. Sam, who had been so well looked after by Ardis; who been attended to, clothed, and cooked for by Ardis, now took the role of primary care-giver. Though much of her memory may have been lost, Ardis never failed to recognize her family, she continued to maintain her sense of humor, and she still had a smile that could light up a room until the very end. Ardis Lenore Herman lived a life firmly guided by her faith and values. She exemplified the very best in human qualities through her own high moral and ethical standards and those she instilled in her children and their families, her calm, quiet and dignified character, and most importantly through her love and devotion to her family and others. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. CARD OF THANKS The family extends a sincere thanks to the Hearthstone and Hemstock staff; Pastor Quinn, the First Lutheran Church and the First Lutheran Ladies; Lloydminster Hospital staff; McCaw Funeral Services; and all those who gave encouragement and support in this very trying time. Sincerely, Sam, Doug, Deb, Ken, Jan and Cheryl