Ardath Marie Nelson

Ardath Marie Nelson, 82, of Dell Rapids passed away Sunday, November 30, 2008 at Avera Dougherty Hospice Home in Sioux Falls.

Funeral services will begin at 2:00 PM Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at Minnehaha Funeral Home Chapel in Dell Rapids. Burial will be in Nelson Cemetery, rural Trent, SD.

Visitation will begin at 2:00 PM Tuesday with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 PM and a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the funeral home.

Ardath was born August 24, 1926 at the family farm in Vermillion Township outside of Canova, SD to Jennings and Hazel (Harter) Gough. She graduated from Canova High School and Sioux Falls College. She taught school in Lake Preston and Woonsocket and worked at the gas company in Sioux Falls.

Ardath married Bernard B. Nelson March 4, 1950 at the Gough family farm. She lived in Dell Rapids at their home for 56 years before moving to Friendship Village in April of 2006. She and Bernard ran their vegetable garden business for 35 years. Ardath enjoyed knitting afghans for family and friends. She also loved to research, collect and write about her family history – compiling several volumes of historical information and photos.

Ardath was one of those rare people that could always see the good in any situation. When life would place a challenge in front of her, she always moved ahead with a strong sense of faith and without complaint. She was an inspiration to her family.

Thankful for sharing her life are her son, Gary (Nancy) Nelson of Romeoville, IL; daughter, Bonnie (John) Edge of Mandeville, LA; son, Douglas (Susan) Nelson of Crooks, SD; son, Jim Nelson of Rapid City, SD; grandchildren, Cheryl, Cody, Greg, Austin and Karla; sister, Joyce Knudson; brothers, Charles (Kay) Gough and Dennis (Ada) Gough; friend, Mercedes Sward; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ardath was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Bernard in December of 2006.