Ardell Lankhorst, 85,, has passed away, leaving behind a family and community who loved her dearly.
Here is a glimpse of the life she lived, in her family's own remembrance.
Ardell's story began in 1929, and unfolded across the years that followed.
Ardell spent her working life as ['the Case Drug Store', 'Shupes Air Travel'] — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
There is a wisdom that only years can give. Ardell carried it gently.
Parker. Ardell Lankhorst, 85 died suddenly Saturday, January 17, 2015 at Southridge Nursing Home, Sioux Falls. Funeral services will be at 1:30pm Thursday, January 22, 2015 at Hofmeister Jones Funeral Home, Parker with burial at Rosehill Cemetery. Visitation with family present will be from 6-8pm Wednesday evening. Mary Ardell Merritt was born on June 3, 1929 north of Parker, SD to Floyd and Laura (Fritz) Merritt. She grew up at Parker where she lived her entire life, graduating from Parker High School in 1947. At the age of 18 she was united in marriage to Elmer A. Lankhorst on August 20, 1947 at Luverne, MN. They farmed near Canistota later moving to Parker, to this union three children where born, Royal, Candice, and Constance. She had been employed as a dental assistant to Dr. Decker, worked at the Case Drug Store, served as Turner County Treasurer for 8 years, worked at Shupes Air Travel, manager at Montgomery Wards, and was a school bus driver for the Parker School. She also raised and showed Australian Cattle Dogs for 20 years. For 23 years she served as the executive director for Parker Housing and Turner Village in Parker, retiring at the age of 73. Grateful for having shared her life are 3 children, Royal (Nancy) Lankhorst, Beresford, Candy Lubben and special friend Eric Olson, Burbank, and Connie (Mark) Greguson, Chester; 3 grandchildren, Jason Spielmann, Brent Spielmann, and Isabelle Lankhorst; a brother Dale (Minnie) Merritt, Centerville; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband in 2012, and 6 brothers and sisters, Eldon, Bob, Gerald, Rita, Murial, and Donna.
