Surprise, AZ – Ardelle “Ardy” Bring Stengrim peacefully passed away at her home in Surprise, Arizona on February 24, 2018 at the age of 84.
A memorial service and internment will be held at 11:00 a.m. in the Stephen Community Arts Center (formerly the First Presbyterian Church) in Stephen on Wednesday, May 30.
Ardelle was born April 12, 1933 in West Valley Township by Newfolden to August and Alma Bring. She was baptized and confirmed in the Bethesda Lutheran Church of Newfolden and graduated from Newfolden High School. In 1952 she graduated from Bemidji State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education.
On December 19, 1953 Ardelle married Donald Stengrim of Stephen. They lived in Florida where Donald was stationed with the US Air Force at Eglin AFB until returning to Stephen in 1954.
Ardy was a teacher for 33 years at Stephen Elementary School. She will be remembered as Mrs. Stengrim for the many students she taught at Stephen Elementary.
Ardy and Don spent their retirement years traveling in their motorhome around the country and taking several cruises overseas. They spent several winters at their home in Arizona.
Ardy was a member of the Faith Presbyterian Church in Sun City.
Ardy was very active in the community, volunteering for several organizations: the National Rural Letter Carrier Association Auxiliary, Order of the Eastern Star, KEM Temple Shrine and Stephen Funsters Wives Club, and an active member of the First Presbyterian Church serving on several different committees and groups.
Ardy was loved and will be sadly missed by her family. Survivors include son John of Stephen; daughter Dawn (Frank) Russo of Sun City, AZ, and son Thomas (Stacie) Stengrim of Harrisburg, SD; 7 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; brother Gordon Bring of Newfolden and sister Bernice McKeever of Middle River and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, step father and husband.
At Ardy’s request, in lieu of flowers, memorials should be directed to the Stephen Arts Council – PO Box 403 – Stephen, MN 56757.
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