Ardath M. McCall

Ardath Marie McCall passed away on April 28, 2025, at the age of 94.  She was born on May 26, 1930, in Hastings, Michigan to the late Shirley and Vida Blood.  Ardath is survived by her daughter Carolyn Manting, son Greg McCall (Bryn), her grandchildren, Ben Manting (Lauren), Emily First (Cameron), Brent McCall, Ryan McCall (Christine), Seth McCall (Rachel), and Arthur McCall, Jr., and 12 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by Jim McCall, her husband of 55 years, brother David Blood and her son Arthur McCall.  

As a teacher and one who had a heart for all individuals, through the Hillsdale County Intermediate School District Ardath played a pivotal role in developing a High School program for pregnant teenagers.  She actively served in her church, both locally and across Michigan, and she loved to sing in her church choir. In her later years, Ardath found joy in serving as a docent at Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids and the spring Butterfly Exhibit was always a highlight.  She discovered a talent for watercolor painting and continued to paint well into her 90’s. Known for her hospitality and amazing culinary expertise, she effortlessly managed gatherings of friends and family, and over the years welcomed many international students into her home. She was her husband’s number one supporter in the family lumber business.  Ardath proudly shared stories of growing up on a farm during the Great Depression, emphasizing the resilience and values those experiences instilled in her.

Ardath and Jim tapped into Road Scholar programs to merge their passions of education and travel.  They included grandchildren in Intergenerational Road Scholar trips and passed along a legacy of learning and education.  Ardath was always interested in ways to better her community and preserve its historical value. She worked with youth leaders at the Hillsdale County Community Foundation, inspiring future generations.

Ardath was a kind and generous wife, sister, mom, adoptive mom, foster mom, mom to internationals, grandma, great grandma, aunt and friend.  She lived a life of intentionality investing her time, talents and passions to benefit others.  She will be greatly missed.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 11am on Saturday May 31, 2025, at the First Reformed Church of Grand Haven, 301 Washington Avenue, Grand Haven, MI 49417.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church and a light lunch will follow the service.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Barry Community Foundation, 231 S. Broadway St, Hastings, MI 49058 or Hillsdale County Community Foundation, P.O. Box 276, Hillsdale, MI 49242.

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