Ardelle Davis left this world on Sunday, December 29, 2013. She was 89 years old at the time of her passing. Ardelle Etta Johnson was born on May 17, 1924, at Artesian, South Dakota to Peter and Sorena Johnson. Ardelle lived on the family farm near Artesian and Letcher, South Dakota. She attended rural schools outside Mitchell and one of her proudest accomplishments was winning the state spelling championship for the state of South Dakota. While Ardelle was in high school her father Peter died and Ardelle quit high school after her junior year to work and help support the family. A woman of strong conviction and believer in education Ardelle went back to high school a year later and graduated from Mitchell High School class of 1942.

After high school, Ardelle worked for a wholesale grocery company Nash Finch in Yankton, South Dakota. After WWII this is where she met her future husband Harold Davis. Ardelle and Harold were married on June 14, 1946. Ardelle said they picked that date because it was Flag Day so that Harold would never forget their anniversary. Harold and Ardelle started and operated A&H Market, a neighborhood grocery store in Yankton for several years. In 1955 Ardelle and Harold headed west to Winner where Harold took a position as Game Warden with the Game Fish & Parks Department.

In 1975 Ardelle and Harold moved to Burke. Ardelle took a job as a cook with Burke School District and loved all the kids. Harold died suddenly and unexpectedly in 1992. Ardelle continued to work until she retired at age 75 but remained active in the community. Ardelle loved her church, Eastern Star, golfing, bowling and square dancing with her companion and loving friend Gilbert Frank. Ardelle's grandchildren nicknamed her "Go Go Granny." Ardelle loved doing anything and was never home. She will always be remembered for her angel food cakes, popcorn balls and oatmeal raisin cookies.

Arthritis took its toll on Ardelle the last few years, resulting in her entering the Avera Rosebud Country Care Center in Gregory a year and a half ago.

Ardelle is survived by her two sons, Gary (Jean) Davis of Oceanside, CA and Jeffrey Davis (Bill Dutton) of Indio, CA. Her four grandchildren, Nichole (Brendon) Reaksecker Bonita, CA; Natalie (David) Davis Link Alameda, CA; Leslie Davis Oakland, CA; Michael Davis Oceanside, CA and two great grandsons, Jackson and Gavin Reaksecker. Ardelle was preceded in death by her husband Harold, sister Joyce Smith and brother Lloyd Johnson. Ardelle is also survived by her many friends from Winner, Burke and Gregory who are too numerous to mention. The family of Ardelle does however wish to recognize Kathy Petersen who lovingly cared for Ardelle over the past several years. She is considered an adopted sister by Ardelle's family.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, May 17, 2014 at 10:00 AM at the United Methodist Church in Burke. Inurnment will be in the Graceland Cemetery of Burke.