Ardis Vera Shields

Ardis Vera Shields passed away April 15, 2025, age 79, at the Toni and Trish House in Auburn.
She was born April 25, 1945 to Reuben and Eleanor (Weir, Allaire) Mellberg. Ardis Grew up mostly in Cheboygan, spending a few years in Flint. She attended Cheboygan Area Schools and obtained her diploma in 1980 via Adult Education.
On January 6, 1962, Ardis married Duane Shields at St. Mary's Church in Cheboygan. They enjoyed 48 wonderful years together prior to Duane's passing on March 30, 2010.
Ardis had various jobs over the years. They included making auto parts at Center Tool and Ferrett, Bartending, working at the Donut Factory and watching many children in her home.
She had many hobbies through the years including crocheting, adult coloring books, word searches, playing the card game Hand and Foot, watching the animals, and enjoying her dogs. Her favorite was spending time with family and friends.
Ardis is survived by her children, Duane (Wendy) Shields, John (Cherie) Shields, and Stephanie (Chris) Brancheau; five grandchildren, Chris (Deanna) Shields, Kevin (Kristina) Shields, Julia Shields, Andrew (Kirstie) Shields, and Keegan Pool Brancheau; three great granddaughters, Alina Shields, Avery Shields, and Auden Shields; brother-in-law, Jack Shields; sisters-in-law, Dolores Wagner and Ann Conley; beloved friend Sherry Babcock; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Ardis was preceded in death by her husband Duane; parents, Reuben Mellberg and Eleanor (Weir) Allaire; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Eva (Allaire) and Clarence Shields; siblings, Sandra Shields and Reuben Mellberg Jr.
The family wishes to thank the Toni and Trish House for their care and assistance during her final days as well as the MyMichigan Hospice Nurses and Aides.
A Memorial Mass for Ardis will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 24, 2025 from Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 3109 Swede Avenue, with Father Rob Howe officiating. Her family will receive friends at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass.
A Celebration of Life gathering for family and friends will take place in Cheboygan at a later date.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Toni and Trish House, 4699 Eleven Mile Road, Auburn, MI 48611.
All of us at Ware Smith Woolever are honored the Shields family has entrusted us with the care of their loved one.