Ardith Locke Obituary
Passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the age of 89. Ardith was born in Lansing, MI, the daughter of Ira and Ruth Bollinger. She married the love of her life, Donald Locke, on August 16, 1958, after he returned from serving his country in the Army Air Forces during WWII. Don and Ardith enjoyed square dancing and traveling west to Arizona for many winters. She was a gifted homemaker and crafter; making many treasured items for her family throughout the years. Gardening, sewing, crocheting, baking, and canning were a few of her favorite hobbies. She was an avid MSU sports fan. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the greatest joys of her life. She was a life-long member of Wacousta Community United Methodist Church and Wacousta/Dewitt Chapter #133 O.E.S.
Ardith is survived by her children, Gordon (Diana) Locke, Sandra (Robert) Walling, Marsha (Dan) Ruthruff; grandchildren Emily Locke (Aaron Marshall), Sarah (Nick) Keilen, Nathan Cranson (Katie Peppler), Andy (Meghan) Cranson, Tyler Janes, Olivia (Collin) Blake, Ayden (Nick) Odell, Robert Jr. (Mia) Walling, Kyle (Stephanie) Beech; great grandchildren, Cameron, Blake, Annabelle, Kayson, Lilly. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald; son-in-law, Kevin Beech.
An O.E.S. Funeral Service will be held Friday, February 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel in Grand Ledge. Interment will follow at the Wacousta Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in loving memory of Ardith Locke to Wacousta Community United Methodist Church or Ionia Area Hospice. The family is being served by the Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel. For online condolences, please visit www.millsfuneral.com.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Country Living Senior Care of Portland and Ionia Area Hospice.
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301 E Jefferson Street, Grand Ledge, MI 48837
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