Ardyce Rae Ruehle Dodge

 Ardyce Rae Smith (Ruehle/Dodge) was born March 20, 1933 to Orville and Elizabeth (Friedrich) Smith in Emmetsburg, Iowa. She was oldest of three daughters. They grew up on a farm near Terril, Iowa. Ardie received her education at Lake Center, Iowa and graduated in 1951. She was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith. 

 On October 28, 1951, Ardyce married Donald Ruehle in Terril, Iowa. They were blessed with four children. They raised their family in Brewster, Minnesota and Everly, Iowa. Don and Ardie later moved a cabin onto the shores of Silver Lake near Lake Park, Iowa. Summers were enjoyed with Don fishing, while Ardie tended to her beautiful flower gardens. Entertaining family and friends at the lake created countless memories.

Don and Ardie served the Lord together at Hope Lutheran Church in Everly. Ardie taught Sunday school and vacation Bible school, and was the lady deacon in that congregation. She held offices and volunteered in many capacities. Lifelong Christian friendships developed with Sisters-in-Christ while studying God’s Word. Those involved now refer to Ardie as being a great mentor, from which a bond of deep love and respect developed. Bible study friends were her strong supporters when Don died in 1992.

 Ardyce found love again when she married Arnold Dodge on October 29, 1995. In addition to loving Arnie, she happily became stepmom to three grown sons. Arnie and Ardie enjoyed life together at their condo in Spencer, Iowa, at the Lake Park cabin and wintered in Donna, Texas. Within their years, Arnie golfed and Ardie painted beautiful scenes that are treasured by their children. In 2021, Arnold was called to heaven. 

 Ardie continued living in their condo in Spencer. She loved seeing the sunsets through her 3rd floor windows. Lovely flowers and bird feeders adorned her deck. Many friends and family were always welcomed through her door.

 Ardyce will be remembered for the servant heart within her. Her strong faith was witnessed by all who knew her. She was truly a prayer warrior throughout life. She was known to have said, “don’t ever forget who is taking a nap in the front of your boat”. Have faith…Jesus never leaves you.

Left to cherish her memory are four children, Mark (Mary) of Jesup, IA, Brian (Pat) of Hazel Green, WI, Jon (Dawn) of Lake Park, IA and Elizabeth “Beth” (Eddie) of Seguin, TX; two stepsons, Brad Dodge and Danny (Ann) Dodge, all of Spencer, IA; 16 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; two sisters: Phyllis (Fred) Mueller of Lakeville, MA, and Roberta (Bill) Hansen of Dickens, IA; sister-in-law Jan Menefee of Casa Grande, AZ; brother-in-law Gene (Shirley) Ruehle of Hugo, MN; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Donald and Arnold; daughter-in-law Linda Ruehle and stepson Curtis Dodge.