Ardith Stone

Ardith "Ardie" Irene Stone (Hess) passed away on February 5, 2025, at the age of 92. She was born on February 2, 1933, in Narka, Kansas, to John E. Hess and Agnes Belle Rieke. 

She married L. Dwight Johnson in 1950, and together they had two sons, Dennis Lynn and Jeffrey Allen. Sadly, Jeff passed away in infancy, and Dennis preceded her in death in 2017. After her divorce, she later married Louis D. Stone, who had three children from a previous marriage. Ardie and Lou shared 48 wonderful years together, spending 21 winters in Florida, where they enjoyed square dancing, shuffleboard, bingo, golf, long walks on the beach and breathtaking sunsets. 

When Lou became ill, they returned to Topeka, Kansas. After his passing, Ardie moved to Eugene, Oregon, where she first lived with her sister, Gladys, until her passing, and then moved to live with her niece, Christine. She volunteered at Campbell Senior Center and continued her love of quilting, sewing, knitting, crafts, and Swedish weaving. 

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Audrey Elyea, cousins, many nieces and nephews, and dear friends who enriched her life.

Ardie made the best lemonade and cranberry relish ever—a simple joy she shared with love. She was also ornery in the best way, with a stubborn streak that never wavered and a fierce independence that defined her. A true Hess girl through and through, she carried the family’s signature determination and resilience all the way to the end. 

Her cremated remains will be placed with Lou in Topeka, Kansas. The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Meals on Wheels volunteers who showed her kindness and generosity and to Cascade Hospice and the Pete Moore House for their compassionate and exceptional end-of-life care. 

Ardie lived a full and creative life, finding joy in her passions and the people she loved.