Jones, Ardith, 77, of Wichita, Kansas passed away on Wednesday April 3, 2019 in Wichita. Ardith was born the daughter of Paul and Ethyle (Johnson) Loder on September 15, 1941 in Langley, Kansas. Along with her brothers, Carol and Lyle, Ardith grew up on the family farm in Marquette, Kansas. She had many chores and responsibilities, but remembered most helpling her mother each summer cook big meals and taking them out to the fields for the farm hands who had come to help with the harvest.
After graduation from Marquette High School in 1959, she moved to Wichita to attend the Wichita Business College where she graduated in 1960. During her time at the Wichita Business College, she joined the school's sorority. It was thru this sorority, that she met her friend Peggy Bockus. It was thru Peggy, that Ardith met her future husband. Peggy and her then boyfriend, George Shope wanted to go out with another couple. Peggy asked Ardith and George asked Garon if they would like to go on a blind date. They both said yes and the two couples went on a date together. Ardith must have made quite an impression on Garon, because he went home that night and told his mother he had just met the women he was going to marry. Six months later, on December 3, 1960 Garon and Ardith were united in marriage in Marquette, Kansas.
After marriage, Ardith worked as a secretary for the Garvey Center until the birth of their son Baron in January of 1968. After the birth of their daughter, Brandi in 1971, Ardith stayed home to help raise the children. She was very involved in their school activities, Brandi's dance lessons and recitals and Baron's involvement thru the Salvation's Army Biddy Basketball program. She served as a volunteer secretary for the Biddy Basketball program and in 1981 was recognized by the Wichita Sports Hall of Fame for her service to the Biddy Basketball organization. She also worked as a church secretary for the First Church of Christ Scientist, where she was a member.
Once her children were in high school, Ardith went back to work and did temporary placement work while looking for a full-time position. During this time, she worked at Olsten's Staffing Services which led to a full-time position with their company. The company later changed their name to The Arnold Group. She was the first person you saw when you came in the door, and she always greeted applicants with a warm smile and pleasant demeanor, which made it difficult for anyone to not like her. Ardith retired in 2005 after 17 years with The Arnold Group in Wichita.
Although Ardith enjoyed sewing, attending Wichita State Basketball games and eating out at her favorite resturants, her greatest joy was being a doting grandmother to her grandchildren. With the arrival of Aaron in May of 2000, Delaney in September of 2000, Madelynn in January of 2003 and Skyler in February of 2004, Grammy as she was called, was in her element. Time spent with Grammy included sleepovers, trips to the toy store, the park and the zoo. She also enjoyed taking them out to eat and to play afterward. She was always happy to babysit and time spent at Grammy's house meant reading books, playing board games and toys and even getting a make-over from her granddaughters. She also loved going to their school activities and had many programs and pictures from their concerts, plays and athletic events.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers; Carol and Lyle Loder. Survivors include her loving husband of 58 years, Garon Jones, children; Baron (Barbara) Jones of Wichita, Brandi (Gary) Nash of Salina, grandchildren; Aaron and Skyler Jones, Delaney and Madelynn Nash. Celebration of Life service will be 2:00 p.m. on Friday April 12, 2019 at Lakeview Funeral Home, 12100 E. 13th St. N., Wichita. Inurnment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery, Wichita. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 1820 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67214 or Kansas Humane Society, 3313 N Hillside St, Wichita, KS 67219 or Salvation Army, 350 N. Market St., Wichita, KS 67202.
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