Ardene N. Steiger

Ardene Steiger, 87, lifelong resident of Bucyrus, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 20. Living, laughing, loving were the epitome of Ardene’s time on earth. Even with declining health in her last years due to Alzheimers and heart issues, she never wavered in her love of family, while times of living and laughing became more difficult to achieve.

Ardene Nan (Stuckman) Steiger was born Nov. 10, 1937. She was the second of three daughters born to Park and Eva Stuckman of Bucyrus. She met her beloved husband, Gerald Steiger, on a double date and they married on June 15, 1957 at Mt. Zion Evangelical United Brethren Church, Bucyrus, sharing 67 years together. Surviving Ardene are her husband Gerald, daughter Paula Dotson (Dave), and son Greg (Sue) Steiger; grandchildren Matt Dotson, Ellen Haldeman (Tyler), Emily Dotson (Matt Dietrich-fiancé), and Emma Steiger; and great-grandchildren Luke and Hannah Haldeman. Also surviving is a sister, Mary Jo Black of Mansfield and a sister-in-law, Janet Steiger of Bucyrus. She was proceeded in death by her parents; her in-laws Leroy and Helen Steiger; a sister and brother-in-law, Jane and Jerry Hatcher; brother-in-law Arthur Steiger; and brother-in-law Vin Black. Many nieces, nephews, and church family members enjoyed her life, laughter, and love.

Ardene attended Mt. Zion High School and Otterbein College where she earned a Cadet Teacher Certificate. There was a teacher shortage and this program allowed certification in 2 years. After that 2-year period, she returned to Mt. Zion. She taught 2nd grade for 5 years and later taught a year of music. Once her children came along, Ardene spent twenty-some years as a substitute teacher in the Wynford and Bucyrus schools. If there was a piano in the room, she shared her love of music. Ardene could play by ear and she would play any song the children requested. Students were excited when “the Music Lady’ was their sub. She often read the book “I Love You Forever” by Robert Munsch. Her grandchildren’s classmates would tell them they wished Ardene was their grandma.

Ardene loved people and people loved her, especially when music was involved. When she was a teen, her father would load the organ onto a truck and take it to a school or event where she would play for dances and proms. Ardene played for over 50 weddings and funerals, keeping copies of each event’s bulletin. The Mt. Zion United Methodist church benefitted for over 60 years from her contributions as pianist, organist, choir member, and she sang with various trios and duets. She shared providing music with her cousin, Judy Leonhart, and her great-aunt Roma, along with other special friends. She also taught Sunday School, Bible School, quilted with the Ladies Aid, and served as an English tutor for immigrants supported by the church. Ardene grew up in this church and was a lifelong member. She and Gerald were founding members of the Harvey School Restoration Project. Her mother attended this school and Ardene often dressed as a teacher from that period for visiting groups. Ardene also supported the Red Cross, donating blood frequently through the years.

Her biggest role was as a farm wife. Besides caring for the family, she drove grain trucks to area elevators, drove tractors in the field, moved machinery, and ran the home grain bins. Gerald often says “She worked like a man”.

Ardene and Gerald enjoyed many years of wintering at Plantation Estates in Fort Myers, Florida. They made many good friends and especially enjoyed playing euchre in the clubhouse. They took many trips, often with friends. They also camped and boated on Lake Erie.

Ardene loved being a grandma and was an active part of her grandchildren’s lives; often babysitting, chauffeuring, and attending their events. She also loved being “Grandma Tiger” to her great-grandchildren and visits from them were a bright spot in her day. She saw her family as her precious gift from God and did all that she could to nourish and support them.

The family sends a special thank you to the wonderful staff at Orchard Park for the loving care given to Ardene and Gerald over the last 3 years and also thanks the people on their team at Southern Care Hospice. 

Calling hours will be held from 5:00-8:00 pm Friday, February 28th at Wise Funeral Home, Bucyrus. The funeral will be at 10:30 am Sat. March 1 at Mt. Zion Community Church, 1192 Mt. Zion Rd. Bucyrus. Memorial donations can be made in her name to the Mt. Zion Community Church, Harvey School, or the American Red Cross.