SMITH, Ardell

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Sunday, May 25, 2014 Ardell Gibson Smith, a resident of Las Fuentes, passed away on May 16, 2014, at Hospice Family Care in Prescott. Ardell was born on a farm near Zion, Iowa (Union County) on April 13, 1919, and was the only child of Nellie (Courter) Gibson and Eli Gibson. She graduated high school in Zion and continued her education at the Grand Island Business College in Grand Island, Neb. For many years, she worked at Radioplane in Los Angeles, making target drones for the Armed Services. Throughout her work career, she resided in Nebraska, California, New Mexico, Boston and New York City. In 1959, she married Clair Smith, whom she had known since she was 3 years old. They resided in Creston, Iowa, where Clair was co-owner of Smith Concrete Products for nearly 40 years. Ardell was a member of Lady Elks, Ladies Literary and Women's Club while living in Creston. She was also active in the Union County Historical Society and was Chairman of the Southwest Iowa Hospital Auxiliary and member of their Board. Ardell was a member of Eastern Star since 1937 and P.E.O. since 1972. She was a talented seamstress and jewelry designer. She enjoyed playing golf and traveling particularly throughout Europe. From 1975 to 1994, Ardell and Clair lived at their second home in Rio Verde, Ariz., during the winter months. In 1990, they permanently moved to the Prescott Country Club. After Clair's death in 1999, Ardell moved to Las Fuentes, where she lived happily until her final days. In 2004, Ardell began losing her eyesight, but it never dampened her spirits or determination to live life to its fullest. She is survived by her sister-in-law Eve Ardell Dougherty of Prescott; niece Diane R. DeLong and her husband Robert DeLong and their children, Brynn DeLong of New York City, Nick DeLong of Tucson and Haley DeLong of Flagstaff. She is also survived by nephew Steve Smith of Reno, Nev.; and nieces Tami Smith of Bremerton, Wash., Robin Smith of Berkeley, Calif., Kati Smith Holmes of Kailua, Hawaii, Dr. Charol Shakeshaft of Ashland, Va. and Gail Smith Page of Hurdle Mills, N.C. Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. on May 28, 2014, at Las Fuentes, 1035 Scott Drive in Prescott, with the Rev. Stan Brown officiating. Memorials may be made to Horses With H.E.A.R.T. (Hands-on Equine Assisted Riding Therapy). Sunrise Funeral Home in Prescott Valley assisted the family with arrangements. Information provided by survivors.