Ardis N. Callan

Friday, February 15, 2008

Oct. 7, 1929 - Feb. 13, 2008

GRAND ISLAND -- Ardis Nadine Callan, 78, died Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008, at Golden Living Center in Grand Island, Neb.

She was the eldest of three children born Oct. 7, 1929, to Frank G. Hall and Treva (Greenlee) Hall in Frontier County, Neb.

She eloped with Billy G. "Tuff" Callan on May 23, 1951, to Raton, N.M. They began their married life in McCook. In June of 1964 Bill's job with Kansas, Nebraska Gas Company transferred them to Bridgeport, Neb. They purchased their home in 1968.

Ardis, being a devoted wife and mother, always put her family first. She was a very strong and independent person and took great pride in her home and children. Some of her children's fondest memories was the smell of her homemade bread and cinnamon rolls. She sewed a lot of her daughters' clothes and even did some upholstering. One of her longest projects was refinishing all the floors and woodwork in their home.

Ardis was not one to be idle; she wasn't happy unless she was accomplishing something. She enjoyed playing cards, especially pinochle and "old sol."

Her grandchildren played hours of "Uno" with her. She found it very hard to say "no" to those grandchildren. She loved family get-togethers and had a passion for homemade ice cream. Ardis had a green thumb and won "Best Yard" award a couple of times. Having a real soft spot for animals, she had several feeders for birds, squirrels, and other strays. Her home was never without a couple of pets. She really had a love for "her pugs."

She earned her GED on Aug. 7, 1979. She worked at Mitchell's Jack & Jill, Melody Inn, and as a cook at the Bridgeport Public Schools. In March of 2004 due to ill health Ardis moved to Grand Island to live with her daughter, Kathy. In November 2007, she moved to the Golden Living Center where she lost her battle with COPD.

Preceding her in death were her husband, on Aug. 11, 1977; her parents; and her brother-in-law, Gerald Greenlee.

Her survivors include her son, Ray and wife Joann Callan of Bridgeport, Neb., and their three children, Heather of Sidney, Craig of Loveland, Colo., and Nicole of Omaha, Neb.; her daughter, Kathy Carmichael and husband, Harold of Grand Island, Neb., and their four children, Bryan and wife, Shannon of Grand Island, Todd of Lincoln, Kyle of Omaha and Shannon of Grand Island; daughter Deb Alber and husband, Dick of Dalton, Neb., and their three daughters; MacKensie Walters and husband, Edward of Sutherland, Tonya Mitchell and husband, Chad of Westminster, Colo., and Robyn Jensen and husband, Chad of Rapid City, S.D.; daughter Donna Thompson and husband, the Rev. Tiin Thompson of Yazoo City, Miss., and their two daughters, Jessica Arnold and husband, Ben of Houston, Texas, and Amber Hunt and husband, Kyle of Augusta, Ga.; six great-grandchildren, Arianna and Kianna Parmenter, Callan Carmichael, Madisen and Michael Walters, and Paige Jensen; her brother, Larry Hall and wife, Judy of McCook; her sister, Phyllis Greenlee of Bartley; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, Feb. 18, 2008, at the Herrmann Memorial Chapel in McCook with the Rev. Tim Thompson officiating. Interment will be in the Cedar Grove Cemetery at Indianola, Neb.

Memorials may be given in her name and friends may call Saturday from 9 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sunday from 1-6 p.m.

Herrmann Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.