Ardella Laura (Edwards) Dees

Ardella Laura Edwards Dees was born on January 13, 1930 to Josiah Edwards and Mary Elizabeth (Gloyd) Edwards in Powersite, Missouri. Ardella was called to her heavenly home on August 1, 2020 at Cox Hospital in Branson, MO at the age of 90 years, 6 months and 19 days.

Ardella dedicated her life to the Lord on February 17, 1941, and was baptized on May 25th of the same year. She was an active member in the St. James and Sardis churches. She began playing the piano at church at the age of ten and continued playing for church the next 80 years. Ardella was also a Sunday School teacher for over 40 years. In raising her children, she followed her parent’s example; ‘when the church doors were opened, we would attend.’

Ardella married the love of her life, William John “Bill” Dees on March 22, 1948 in Harrison, AR. Their union was blessed with four children; Ardella Bernell, William Ryan, John Earl, and Laura Elizabeth. Ardella and Bill were wonderful parents that worked as a team to teach their children about serving God, kindness to others, and unconditional love, however, she never hesitated to teach her children a lesson by using buckbrush.

Ardella was active in her adult life singing in a quartet for many years throughout Southwest Missouri. She was a member of the Rebekahs and a 50 year member of Eastern Star serving as Worthy Matron twice and as the organist for many many years. She was a member of the White River Valley Historical Society and served on the WRVHS Cemetery Hoppers Committee and the WRVHS Loom Ladies Craft Group. Ardella enjoyed politics, serving many years on the Election Board and was a member in the Taney County Federated Republican Women. She also volunteered at the Forsyth Library by working at their Mark Down store. As well as being a homemaker, she worked at various times for Dr. Burgess & Dr. Mary Long and in her later years, she was a Red Cross Volunteer. As active as she was, spending time with family was her greatest joy and was a grandmother to all.

Ardella is preceded in death by her grandparents Albert Edwards & Mary Ann (Pickett) Edwards and Dr. G. W. Gloyd & Nancy Jane (Watts) Gloyd. Her parents, Josiah & Mary Edwards; her loving husband of 40 years and 3 months, Bill Dees; two children, Bernell (Dees) Barnett and William “Billy” Ryan Dees; seven Edwards sisters, Almeda, Josie, Blanche, Veda, Trulabelle, Minta Mae, and MaryJo; and four brothers, Remus, Earl, Carl, and Joseph Jr.

She is survived by a son, John Dees of Powersite, MO and a daughter, Laura Dees & husband Stephen LaRoque also of Powersite. She is also survived by one son-in-law Patrick Barnett of Ozark, MO; six grandchildren, Luke Barnett & wife Sarah of Waukesha, WI, Trula Plummer & husband Nick of Kirbyville, MO, Rachel Barnett & husband Eric White of Kirbyville, MO, Maryruth Barnett & fiancé Djordje Grabez of Brooklyn, NY, Billy Dees & wife Chandy of Taneyville, MO, Addie Dees & Jake Stoneburner of Forsyth, MO; nine great-grandchildren, Aldebaran, Zoe, Georgia, Ruby, Nora, Emerick, Nathaniel, Abigail and Everly. Ardella has also been blessed to be survived by several nieces, nephews, church family members and a host of friends.

Funeral services will be Saturday, August 8, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. at Sardis General Baptist Church in Forsyth.  Visitation will precede the service beginning at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday at the church.  Burial will follow in Edwards Cemetery, Kirbyville.

In memory of Ardella, memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to Edwards Cemetery, c/o Melva Epps, 935 Ridge Circle, Powersite, MO  65731.

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