Ardys Marcella Koller

Ardys Marcella Koller

MASON CITY - Ardys Marcella Koller took her place in heaven on April 15, 2015, after a short, courageous battle with cancer. She passed away with family by her side.

Though her battle was short, not enough can be said about her courage and strength she showed during this unfortunate time. Her last wishes were to tell all of her family and friends that she loves them, something she said multiple times to make sure they all know. This was the way she lived her life.

Ardys was born to Norwegian parents, Arthur and Mabel Paulson. She was the fifth child of seven children. Ardys graduated from Mason City High School in 1948 in a class of 267 kids. She ranked 16th in academics. After high school, she applied and was accepted to a position with the Navy Department for a civilian clerical position in Washington DC the same year, a position she held for three years before returning home to Mason City in 1951.

Ardys soon after succumbed to the charms of Richard Koller and the two married Aug. 22, 1953, at St. James Lutheran Church. Richard and Ardys would go on to raise 4 children, Robert, Kraig, Susan, and Keith.

Ardys's career at Armour foods entailed being the transportation manager. She retired from Armour in 1990. Ardys moved to Roswell, New Mexico, in October of 1994 to help her mother. This is eventually where she decided to live full time. In 2008 Ardys was declared legally blind but she continued to live by herself for the rest of her years unencumbered. Nothing got in the way of her independence.

Ardys loved to travel, especially in the southwestern states. Bingo halls, slot machines, and cards with her friends were particular weaknesses of hers. She also spent many hours reading books. Her favorite authors were Grace Livingston Hill and Dorothy Garlock, her personal favorite.

Ardys also loved animals and had a special fondness for Chihuahuas. Any form of animal cruelty was absolutely detested by her.

Ardys was a devout Christian and was a member of St. Marks Lutheran Church in Roswell, NM, and St. James Lutheran Church in Mason City, IA. At St. Marks she was a volunteer secretary for ten years until her vision made it hard to continue.

Ardys also had a political side that was staunchly conservative. Ardys also respectfully requests that the Democratic Party, now that she has passed away, not use her name for voting purposes in the upcoming Presidential election.

Ardys was proceeded in death by her father Arthur Paulson, Her oldest son Robert, her husband Richard, her mother Mabel, her brother Robert Paulson, and her sister Inez.

Her funeral will be held on Aug. 20 at St. James Lutheran Church in Mason City at 2 p.m. A luncheon will be at noon at 911 S. Illinois prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, Ardys would ask that you do an unsolicited act of kindness for a total stranger in her name.