Ardyce S Lightner

Ardyce Leah Stevens Lightner passed quietly on May 5, 2023. Ardyce was born on July 21, 1932 in Leigh, Nebraska to John Wesley Stevens and Anna Louise Lueschen Stevens. She was predeceased by a brother, Travis, a twin sister, Audrey, and an ex-husband, Jerry. She is survived by son Jon and daughter Jean; son-in-law Blaine Norum; and grandsons Don and Steve and Steve’s partner Dana Lapato. Ardyce graduated from Wayne State College (Nebraska) and earned master’s and doctoral degrees at the University of Northern Colorado, followed many years later by a law degree from the University of Dayton. Careerwise, she worked as a professor or administrator at the College of Great Falls, now the University of Providence (Montana); Morehead State University (Kentucky); Radford University (Virginia); and D’Youville University (New York). She raised Siberian Huskies, some of which became show champions and some of which she trained as sled dogs. She followed the PGA Tour (especially Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth, and Jason Day) and the NFL (especially the Buffalo Bills) quite seriously. She relocated to Charlottesville after retiring in 2004. At her request, there will be no funeral or memorial service. Donations in her memory can be made to the animal charity of your choice.