Ardyth A Carpenter

Mankato Mortuary 1001 North Riverfront Drive Mankato, MN 56001 507-388-2202 Ardyth A. Carpenter has been called home to her Lord on April 16, 2015 surrounded by her family. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 18, 2015 at Hosanna Highland Campus Chapel 329 Ellis Ave. in Mankato with Rev. Steve Kosberg officiating. Burial will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Visitation will be held one hour before the service on Saturday at Highland Campus Chapel. Memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society, Mayo Clinic Hospice, Cottagewood Senior Community or the donor's choice. Mankato Mortuary in charge of arrangements. Ardyth was born April 3, 1920 to Lawrence Rexon and Doris (Bussman) Clow in Madelia, Minnesota. She graduated from Truman High School and Mankato Commercial College graduating in 1939. Ardyth married Jack K. Carpenter in 1940. While Jack served with the National Guards they lived in California and Texas. They eventually settled in Mankato and together they raised four wonderful daughters. After 24 years as office manager she retired from Prudential Insurance Co. in 1984 Ardyth helped organize the first chapter in Mankato of The American Business Women's Association. She served as their first President and was nominated Woman of the Year. Ardyth was committed to her community, she volunteered with Hilltop Neighbors and Vine for 12 years, and she was also a greeter at Walmart. Ardyth was a life member of the American Legion Auxiliary, which she served in many capacities. In 1982 she was diagnosed with breast cancer. For the next 21 years she faced 17 more malignant tumors. Ardyths' strength, dignity and grace in the face of many challenges of this disease were an inspiration to all who knew her. Her strong faith in the Lord sustained her through all her challenges, which was passed on to her family. She was an active member of Hosanna Lutheran Church. She was also accepted into the Daughters of American Revolution proving Maylower descendants of Francis Eaton. She was a master seamstress and sewed fashionable outfits for her daughters and herself, including many wedding dresses. Ardyth was an avid flower gardener, always making bouquets for all to enjoy. She kept busy teaching all her daughters her wonderful cooking, sewing and baking skills. She loved traveling, family and friends and always ready for a good card game. Ardyth is loving survived by four daughters and their spouses, Sharyn (John) Herian of Littleton, CO, Lynda (Greg) Gemlo of Mankato; DeeAnn Carpenter of Wilmington, NC, and Brenda (Bob) Anderson of Mankato; one sister, Valeen Meyer of Truman, MN; six grandchildren, Michelle, Nicolle (Kelly) Martin, Ryan (Rachel) Gemlo, Mallory Gemlo, Erin (Geoff) Ring and Danielle Anderson; five great-grandchildren, Emma, Julia, Sean, Martin, Gabriel, and Evan Compart-Gemlo; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ardyth was preceded in death by her husband, and one sister, Lorraine Weiderhoft Mohwinkle. We wish to thank the staff of Cottagewood Senior Communities for the care Ardy received and all their support for our family.