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Filer, Ardis Virjean
Ardis Virjean Filer of Ottumwa is now safe in the arms of the Lord. She met Him on Wednesday, May 22, 2013. A private family memorial, with her children and their families and her sister and her family was held in Bloomfield, Iowa on May 23 by the Rev. Jerry Lanferman.
Survivors celebrating her life include her children, Steve Filer (Jan) of Fridley, Minn., Phil Filer (Angela) of Alpharetta, Ga., Chris Nekvinda (Dan) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Cindy Barnes (Paul) of Ottumwa, Iowa and Alan Filer (Liz Johnson) of Marion, Iowa; her sister, Bev Phillips (Bob) of Boone, Iowa; grandchildren, Andy Filer (JoAnna), Jake Filer (Kelly), Ellie Heintz (Steve), Matt Filer, Emily Filer, Erin LeMieux (Mike), Dustin Nekvinda (Hilary), Josh Haskell (Jessica), Carly Burrell (Chris), Mary Miller (Brian), David Phillips, Stephanie Filer and Austin Filer; and 16 great-grandchildren and one on the way. She is also survived by her special friend, Pat Auman.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, David.
Ardis was born Sept. 12, 1932, in Fairfield, Iowa, to Ellen Rodibaugh Kracht and Harry Kracht. She attended Birmingham High School in Birmingham, Iowa and graduated from there in 1950. While in high school she was a cheerleader and class president. She was nicknamed “Sweetie” by her peers and it was indicated in her yearbook that her future occupation would be beauty queen.
Ardis worked in the cafeteria at Nixon Elementary School in Hiawatha and at Fanny Farmer, making the most awesome caramels. She later retired from FMC working in the insurance department.
Ardis's family would like to thank the staff of Iowa Hospice in Oskaloosa for the wonderful care they gave her the last few months of her life. She especially enjoyed the hymns and singing during her music therapy. What joy that brought her.
Memorial contributions can be made to Iowa Hospice, 212 First Ave. East, Oskaloosa, IA 52577.
We will miss you Mom. We are especially thankful for the last few months we had with you.
Published May 31, 2013 in The Gazette
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