Ardyce Eleanor Kostelecky

With sadness, but also with relief that the pain is over, Ardyce Kostelecky, 86, passed away on Wednesday, July 20, 2011. Ardyce was born on October 4, 1924, in North Dakota to Angus and Ella Christianson. She moved to Yakima in 1966. Ardyce's greatest joy and sense of accomplishment came from her family. Ardyce is survived by her husband of more than fifty-one years, Jerry, and her seven children:

Sandra (Bob) Pritchard, of Yakima, David (Evelyn) Jalbert, of Yakima, Bruce Jalbert of Denver, Dan Jalbert of Las Vegas, Barry (Sherrie) Kostelecky of Terrace Heights, Brenda (John) Gilmore, of Yakima, and Barbara (Mike) Robbins, of Ogden. She also has seven grandchildren: Brian Jalbert, Meghanne Scott, Morghanne McKenzie, Dustin and Jayme Gilmore, and Samantha and Benjamin Robbins. Great-grandchildren Bryce and Abigail Jalbert, Rylee Klang, and John Scott were the lights of her life. Ardyce came from a large family of six, but is only survived by her sister, Edelle Shannon (Jim), of Billings, Montana and two sisters-in-law: Geraldine Christianson of Dickinson, and Helen Christianson of Taylor, ND. She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Earl Jalbert, and her siblings Floyd, Delores, Orin, and Glenn.

Ardyce worked for many years at the Del Monte cannery in Yakima. She was also a member of the VFW women's auxiliary. She would say one of her fondest memories was celebrating her fiftieth anniversary in the summer of 2009 in Florence, Oregon. All of her children, their spouses, and many of the grandchildren were there to witness the renewal of their marriage vows.

A memorial service will be held at the Keith and Keith at Terrace Heights Memorial Chapel Saturday July 23, 2011, at 2:00.

Keith & Keith Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements