Ardith Cornelison, 87

Ardith Ann Cornelison, 87, Red Oak, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022, at Goldenrod Manor in Clarinda.
Ardith was born Sept. 20, 1935, in Wales, the daughter of Ray and Fern (Pehrson) Gammell. She was raised in the Wales area, graduating from Wales Lincoln High School as valedictorian in 1953. Ardith worked for Martin and Sons as a secretary from 1952 to 1966. During this time, she was united in marriage to Richard “Dick” Cornelison on Sept. 26, 1959, in Red Oak.
Ardith lived most of her life in Red Oak. She was a clerk at Gibson’s from 1966 to 1969 and then started a long career with Houghton State Bank as an installment loan officer, retiring in 1999. She also owned and operated Johnny’s Steakhouse with David Hammer from 1985 to 1989. Ardith worked with her son, Jason, operating Viking Lake Concessions from 1998 to 2005. She also worked at Acorn Clothing from 2000 to 2006, at which time she retired.
Ardith was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church, Altrusa, and Montgomery County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, working many hours in the Lemon Tree. She always enjoyed sports, playing basketball in high school and bowling and women’s softball league in her adult years. She was inducted as a member of the Bowling Hall of Fame. Ardith was a great cook, who enjoyed baking and loved spoiling her grandkids.
Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Richard Cornelison on July 31, 2015; sister, Betty Lehman; brother, Eldon Gammell; brothers-in-law, Ross Lehman and Kenneth Cornelison; and sister-in-law, Darlene Anderson.
Survivors include her children, Mike Cornelison and wife Ann of Ankeny,Kelly Boucher and husband Mark of Elliott, and Jason Cornelison and wife Megan of Clarinda, grandchildren, Matt Cornelison and wife Ashley of Chicago, Ill.; Josh Cornelison and wife Stacia of Chicago, Ill.; Luke Cornelison and fiancée Elizabeth of Chicago, Ill.; Jessica Wong and husband Eric of Papillion, Neb.; Mason Boucher and McKenna of Geneva, Neb.; Alyx Jorgensen and husband Christian of Griswold; Hannah Boucher of Omaha, Neb.; Kayla Cornelison and Tyler of Clarinda; Jordyn Cornelison of Omaha, Neb.; Jaxon Cornelison of Clarinda; and Dylan Reynolds of Clarinda; great-grandchildren, Connor, Fallon, Krew, Holland, and Cash; sister-in-law, Margy Gammell of Creston; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services were held Monday, Oct. 3, 2022, at the First United Methodist Church. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church.
Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.