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BORN
1921
DIED
2019
Ardith Dowling Obituary
She was born on Nov. 14, 1921, to Burr and Gladys (Hanlin) DeLine. On March 11, 1944, she married Clifton "Kip" Dowling in Gainsville, Texas. Kip preceded her in death on Dec. 29, 1999.
Ardith and Kip had one son, Gary (Laura) Dowling of Somerset; two grandchildren, Brian (Jessica) Dowling of Somerset and Kate (Daniil) Barbiyeru of Chicago; and two great-grandchildren, Benjamin Barbiyeru and Coralynn Dowling. Also surviving are Ardith's sister, Lois McNeil of Clayton; nephew, Rick (Chrisanne) McNeil of Adrian; and nieces Morgan and Maddie McNeil.
Ardith was an active member of the Clayton Woman's Club, Clayton Extension Club, Clayton Methodist Church and Clayton Summerfest Committee. As a life-long resident of Clayton, Ardith was known and loved by her community. Ardith retired from Townsend Lumber Company after 50 years of employment as its bookkeeper. However, her most important job was being a devoted mother and grandmother. You would often find her out in the yard playing with Brian and Kate or allowing them to build structures in the yard, attending basketball games or helping Brian in his fish business that was housed in Ardith's pole barn. Ardith was preceded in death by her husband, parents and brother-in-law.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. April 13, 2019, at the Clayton Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. with the memorial service and luncheon immediately following. A private family burial will take place at a later date at North Dover Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Clayton Methodist Church or Hospice of Lenawee.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ardith Dowling
Danita, Devin, & Aidan Scheick
March 14, 2019
She was such a sweet lady.. she will be missed... hugs and prayers to all of you...
Bill Davis
March 11, 2019
Gary and family, sorry to hear about your mothers passing she was a special person to a lot of people.
Lj
March 10, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Art Barnhart
March 8, 2019
Gary, so sorry to read of your mothers passing, she was a great lady, we always enjoyed going to your house when we young as she always treated as her own.
Courtney Walker
March 8, 2019
I took care of Ardith at Lynwood, she was the reason I went into work everyday. Everyday, I would sit with her and we would just talk about everything. She always called me sweetheart and she would always hold my hand. I'm going to miss her so much, I already do. I'm praying for the family during this difficult time, as it's difficult for me as well. Rest easy Ardith.
John and Cynthia Binns
March 8, 2019
Our condolences go out to Gary, Laura, and the Dowling family. Ardith was a sweet lady who always welcomed us to her and Kip's house in Clayton to visit aa high schoolers. We particularly remember the fun Myrtle Beach trips, and the time when she had her purse stolen and John, Scott Hinkle, and Gary caught the purse snatcher until the police arrived. Will always remember Ardith fondly.
Vicki (Votzke ) Johnson
March 8, 2019
Gary, sorry to hear about your mom. She was a wonderful lady. I loved working the concession stands with her and your dad. She will be missed. Prayers to the family.
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