Ardith L. “Ardie” (Hardlannert) Vickery
August 6, 1921 – April 28, 2020
Ardith “Ardie” Louise (Hardlannert) Vickery was born August 6, 1921. She grew up in the Elmwood Park neighborhood, attended Washington Elementary School, and graduated from Benson High School in 1939. After two years at Omaha University (currently University of Nebraska at Omaha) Ardie transferred to Iowa University in Iowa City where she was a member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority.
On January 7th, 1947, Ardie married Dr. Robert D. Vickery. They lived a block away from her parents for several years before building a home “way out in the country” near 99th and Center in 1960. She later lived many years in the Regency neighborhood before moving to Sterling Ridge in 2017. Ardie loved her final home at Heritage Sterling Ridge, the many friends she made there, and the kind people who cared for her.
Ardie was an active member of the Omaha Doctor’s Wives Club, the Pi Beta Phi alums, the D.U. Chapter of P.E.O, Who’s Who International, and the St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Altar Guild. For many years she served on the board of the Hattie B. Monroe Foundation and delivered Meals on Wheels to the elderly and housebound. Until the last couple of years, Ardie continued to enjoy her book club, bridge groups, and church activities. She was still playing golf into her early 90’s.
Ardie lived in gratitude, approached life and all it brought her with a stoic, pragmatic, generous, forgiving and accepting heart. She had “big love” for her friends, and most especially for her family. She had warm relationships with each of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and they adored her. Her mantra was “I can’t complain,” and she didn’t. A friend once told her daughter, “You got your mom at The Good Mom Shop,” and that was the truth. She also loved Santa Claus, and of course, Jesus.
Ardie spent her last month at her daughter’s home where she died peacefully in her sleep April 28th. She was preceded in death by her parents, Helen and Elmer Hardlannert; her husband, Robert Vickery; and her lifetime sister-friend, Norma Jean Griffith. She is survived by her children, Robert “David” Vickery Jr. (Paige) of Laguna Nigel, California, and Alison Rider of Omaha; 5 grandsons: Jason Vickery (Susi) of Temecula, CA, and Joshua Vickery, Aaron Rider (Melissa), Adrian Rider (Sarah) and Andy Rider (Rachel) all of Omaha; 2 granddaughters, Courtney Vickery (Steve Massa) of San Clemente, CA, and Megan Rider of Seattle WA; and 13 great-grandchildren.
We are all so sorry we can not properly celebrate her life with each other and with the multitudes whose lives she touched. But she would have loved the simplicity and quietness of this gathering and for the peaceful passage she had leaving us for her next adventure.
14 Comments
I met Ardie at St Andrews Church 30 years ago but became especially close to this dear friend at Sterling Ridge. She will be so greatly missed — here and no doubt in all the groups of which she was a part — because of her infectious sweet personality and grace. My prayers and thoughts are with all of Ardie’s family in this time of your loss. I know you will cherish many wonderful memories.
We know heaven has welcomed a very special person but I’m sure your hearts still feel the sorrow. Ardie led an amazing, full life. Thinking of you and sending prayers.
Ardie was my favorite of my mother’s (Patti Clark) altar guild friends if no other reason that that Goldwater bumper sticker she kept on the back of her Imperial. I enjoyed introducing her to my children up at Happy and have missed seeing her. A delightful, warm and smart woman.
I’ve enjoyed following photos of Ardie’s adventures through Alison’s posts over the past few years. Alison’s photos are a wonderful reflection of their mother-daughter love.
We’re never quite ready for this. Our condolences go out to you all. Such a lovely ending provided for a great lady and a well-lived life.
Ardie was a classy lady! Respected by her family and loved by all. She always took time to make everyone feel special. We have many great memories of the family gatherings she hosted over the years. We will miss her!
Alison & family:
Please accept my deepest sympathies at the loss of Ardie. I know how much she meant to you, and you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Aunt Ardie was always upbeat and thoughtful, and she was a wonderful host for the many family occasions held at her home. I know she will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Ardith will always be so fondly remembered by her Pi Phi sisters. I was so happy to be there as we presented her with the 75 yr diamond arrow pin. She was so delighted. We enjoyed many meetings in her lovely home for many years. My thought and prayers are with her family.
Ardie is a special soul. We were lucky to know and love her, and will indeed miss her, Our sympathy to all the family.
We should all be so lucky to have an Ardie I our life. My deepest sympathy to Alison and all her family.
Alison,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. We know you will miss your mom greatly, but what wonderful memories you will have of all the great trips and times you had together.
Ardie was the most beloved of women.She and I were members of WHO’ S WHO! for over 30 years and everyone agreed Ardie was the most admired. She will be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to be. her friend. My prayers are with the family!
I adore Ardie. I was just thinking about her. She was the one friend my grandmother Skip Filkins talked about the Most! She has such a great spirit.
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