Ardys Lee Stonebraker entered this world on February 24, 1933 in Harper, Kansas, born to Edward and Bernice (Litsey) Ruhsert; a beautiful blessing from God and cherished by her parents.  Ardys graduated from Harper High School in May of 1950.  Once graduated, she married the love of her life, Robert Stonebraker, on September 3, 1950.  Cooking was not Ardys greatest talents when they married...but she did her very best.  She would pack Bob's lunch daily with a slice of homemade chocolate cake, his favorite.  She thought she had figured out the whole cooking thing as she would find Bob's lunch box empty each day, until the truth was revealed that Bob threw the cake out each day and considered it the worst he had ever had.  Ardys did learn how to cook over the years, although it was never her 'favorite' thing to do! Ardys had a green thumb; she was very talented in gardening.  She would fill her home with plants and flowers which she carefully cared for.  Ardys loved to play games with other people.  Pinochle, bridge, pitch, hearts, farkle, dominoes...you name it, she would play it!  Her love for playing games has been passed down through her family.

Bob and Ardys started their family in December of 1951 with their first born daughter, Debra.  They loved and adored being parents and had their first son, Bruce in 1953.  In 1955 they welcomed a daughter, Gail and then three years later their family was complete with the addition of their son, Kent.  Life with 4 children was pretty busy, but that did not keep Ardys from being a bus driver for the schools for 10 years and then later becoming a respiratory therapist for 11 years.  In addition to raising a family and working, Ardys also helped with the family farm.  She often provided meals for the workers and ran errands as needed during planting and harvesting seasons.  Even in retirement, Ardys would work at the golf course and loved interacting with the guests.  She would always have a smile on her face and worked hard to bring smiles to all those around her.

Bob and Ardys were pillars at Chicaskia Baptist Church.  Ardys taught Sunday school classes, provided meals for her church family, served on boards for the church, and was an active member of the American Baptist Women.  She found herself serving in countless ways throughout her time at Chicaskia.  She rooted her life in His word and often told those that came seeking advice that the Bible was "an answer book for the questions of life."  Ardys was passionate about her love for her Heavenly Father.  She was an incredible light that shone brightly the Love of God to all those she encountered.

As Ardys' family grew with the births of her 11 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, whom brought much joy to her life.  She passed on her love for playing games to them...  There was not a family gathering that did not have some kind of game to be played.  Oh the fun that was had around the table playing games (and maybe even a little cheating going on too).  She also offered words of wisdom to her family and was never shy about reminding them that God is always on your side!

Sadly, Ardys lost her husband of nearly 42 years on July 2nd, 1992.  After a time of grieving, she continued on loving her family and taking care of her mother, Bernice during her waning years.  Despite missing Robert each day, Ardys lived her life to the fullest!  She traveled the states with friends, gave of herself to others, and enjoyed serving her church family.  She loved her family beyond measure and left a legacy that will never be forgotten.

After a long battle with Alzheimers, Ardys was finally reunited with her beloved Bob on January 2, 2020 in the town where her life began.  Just before her passing she told the nurse "I am going to see Jesus now."  Oh what a joy it was for her to finally be home with her Lord!

Ardys is survived by her children Debra Megli and husband, Kenneth of Heartland, Texas; Bruce Stonebraker and wife, Sondra of Norwich, Kansas; Gail Flaska and husband, Steve of Victoria, Kansas; and Kent Stonebraker and wife, Terrie of Harper, Kansas; along with grandchildren: Karla Biel, Kevin Megli, Kyle Stonebraker, Kendra Kontz, Amy Buchholz, Gabriel Flaska, Kacie Ruppert, Skylor Flaska, Makenzie Flaska, Katherine Patterson, and Megan Patterson; nineteen great-grandchildren; other family and friends.  Preceding Ardys in death are her parents, her husband Bob, and her sister Patsy Ruhsert.

Friends may view and register from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday.

Funeral service is 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 6, 2020 at Prairie Rose Funeral Home, Harper with Pastor David Anders officiating.  Interment follows at the Harper Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Anthony Community Care Center and can be sent in care of the funeral home.

Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 613 W 14th ~ Harper, Kansas 67058 is assisting the family with arrangements and services.