Mary Alice Ardern

Bend, OR

Passed away peacefully with family by her side Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at Mt. Bachelor Assisted Living at age 95 years.  Mary Alice Parks was born on February 28, 1923 in Cleveland, OH, to the late Charles F. and Julia A. Parks.  She was married to Franklin Clark Ardern, Jr. on June 26, 1943; he predeceased her on December 7, 1986.  Mary and Clark owned and operated Ardern Floral Co. in Saginaw, MI, until their retirement.

Surviving are her loving family:  son, F. Clark Ardern III (Janice) of Evanston, IL; daughter, Patricia (Wayne) Lambert of Corona del Mar, CA; five grandchildren, Ky Lambert, Kastin Mary Dick (Darin), Kelly Mary Boyd (Will) of Orange County, CA: F. Clark Ardern IV of Evanston, IL (Debi); Kara Ardern of Moscow, ID (Dave), and nine great-grandchildren, Luke, Cooper, Eva, Greta, Willie, London, Wyatt, Asa, Mazzy, and niece Marti Cederberg Waltz and nephew Kim Ardern Cederberg.

Mary was preceded in death by her brother-in-law and sister-in-Iaw, Harold and Jean Ardern Cederberg.

Mary was adored and loved by all; she was everyone's Aunt Mary and her family's Nana. She was a beautiful lady who always had a kind word and smile on her face. She put her family and others before herself with her kindness and grace. Sociable, she was active in the Saginaw Women's Garden Club, her bowling group, and First Presbyterian Church. Dedicated, she worked in the family business, and she was honored by being named the first female department manager at Jacobson's. Compassionate, she volunteered for years at St. Luke's Hospital and the Cancer Discovery Shop in CA. Devoted to husband and family, she raised her children with heart, loving them deeply and unconditionally.

According to her wishes, a private committal service will take place with entombment next to her husband in Oakwood Mausoleum. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to their favorite charity.  Arrangements are entrusted to Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth.