Ardythe (Ardie) Jean Wickman of Grand Rapids, MI passed away peacefully on Monday, October 18, 2021, surrounded by her children. Ardie was born on December 8, 1931. Her loving husband Lou and her parents, Arthur & Pearl Marquardt and sister Carol VanHoef preceded her in death. She is survived by her four children, Kim (Tom) Melcher, Kathy (Bob) Price, Jeff (Nancy) Wickman, and Suzanne Wickman. Ardie was a proud grandmother to Tommy (Jade) Melcher, Katie and Morgan Melcher (fiance Alexander Dobbs), Charlie Price, Rachel (Hunter) Mason, Ally (Austin) Fatjo, Molly (Mitch) Zlotnik, Amanda Wickman, Jack, Louie and Sam Belanger and a great grandmother to Walker and Kennedy Fatjo and Davis Zlotnik. Ardie graduated from Ottawa Hills High School and went on to the University of Michigan becoming a member of The Delta Gamma Sorority. After graduating with a degree in Education she returned to Grand Rapids and taught Kindergarten at Fountain Elementary School. Ardie met Lou and they married in 1956. In addition to raising four children, she was an avid volunteer for many organizations: President of PTO for Lakeside Elementary, Jr. League, Blodgett Hospital Hodgen Guild, Mayflower Women’s Guild, and tutoring students in GRPS.
Upon raising her children, she returned to teaching and taught for many years as a substitute in EGR schools.
Ardie had a vivacious personality, enjoyed a very active social life, and was blessed with many lifelong friends. She and Lou enjoyed many years as members of Kent Country Club. She loved tennis, bridge, potlucks, and travel, whether it be weekends up north or a cruise down the Danube. But her most beloved place was her cottage in Grand Haven on Lake Michigan where she spent every summer since the age of 12. She instilled that love in all four of her children and her 11 grandchildren and it will always be a special place for them to gather and celebrate her life. Ardie’s greatest joy was her grandchildren. She was a loyal supporter of their activities, whether on the tennis court, ball field, school program or having fun with them on the beach. She leaves her zest for life and fun-loving spirit as her legacy to be cherished by her family.
Ardie will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by her family and many lifelong friends. The family is especially grateful to Susan Maccardini who was her compassionate caregiver and friend for the past 4 years, and to the Heather Hills Staff and Kindred Hospice caregivers.
The family will hold a private ceremony and burial. A Celebration of Life will be planned for a future date.
Memorial contributions in Ardythe’s name may be made to Mayflower Congregational Church 2345 Robinson Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506.
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