Our mother, Ardis Arlene Wilson, passed away peacefully in her home on October 4, 2018. She was born on January 4, 1931 in Cameron, Nebraska to Frank D. Hochstetler and Alta (Mast) Hochstetler, one of four sisters. Mom shared many stories of her childhood living in Nebraska on various farms. While a young teen she had a hair-raising experience herding cattle while crossing a flooded river, without knowing how to swim. She milked many a cow and was her dad's number one tractor driver. Her family moved to Colorado Springs when she was a young teen, and to her great delight within walking distance to a library! At the age of 16 she chose to stay in the Springs rather than moving with her parents and youngest sister to Idaho. She roomed with a good friend and began working as the manager in a tea shop above a candy store where she could indulge in dark chocolates to her heart's content! During this time she met her future husband, Howard James Wilson. They eloped marrying in Raton, New Mexico and shortly thereafter decided to move to Idaho joining family living in Meridian. After two years they moved back to Colorado Springs to find steady work leaving the state during the worst blizzard that rivaled our 2016 winter weather. Mom was thrilled to be going back to Colorado and by this time they had a baby daughter in tow. The next several years mom was busy raising five children and being a help-mate to her husband. She was a hard worker and made certain that her children learned the value of a job well done with a good attitude besides. Mom and Dad had a complete faith and trust in the Lord and did their best to teach their children (and others) about the true and living God. We all had our own Bibles and were encouraged to memorize Bible verses. Throughout mom's life she taught many Sunday school classes, worked in Vacation Bible Schools, Children's Church, Awana and served with other ladies in the social groups. Our parents made many lifelong friendships at Berean Baptist (New Hope) and were appreciative of the solid teaching over the years. Although our mom was content to live in Colorado and did not necessarily want to move to Idaho she supported our dad in his decision and in 1965 moved to Meridian to work alongside him doing farm work. We don't remember hearing her ever complain about hard labor although she put her foot down about not wanting livestock. She certainly derived no enjoyment however being covered with dust and grit working on the back of a potato harvester. It's certain she was glad when they could retire from farming. Her home was always open to young people needing a place to stay and she and dad were generous, caring and encouraging and welcoming whatever the length of their stay. In 1988 a new chapter began in their lives when mom agreed to serve under New Tribes Missions along with dad working in a guest house in Papua New Guinea. Mom was the quintessential hostess and spent many hours laboring to provide missionaries a necessary break. They made many friends and traveled with co-workers. In a guest book I counted 314 families that stayed at their guest house with meals included in a span of approximately three years. Due to health reasons they had to come back to the states. Mom and Dad were married 67 years and she was always his sweetheart! They had a full and happy life together and it brings us joy to know they are reunited in heaven! Mom enjoyed time spent with her family and she made us all feel special to her! Family and friends always gathered at Grandma and Grandpa's house for potlucks, games and most of all the company together. We will remember those times and cherish the good memories. This poem handwritten on her refrigerator exemplifies mom's lifelong belief: "God takes my yesterday. He keeps my tomorrows. He gives me today...and in the miracle of it all He promises me an eternity with Him!" Ardis was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Marie Hauder and Elvera Hochstetler, son David Wilson, great-granddaughter Rebecca Aldrich and great-grandson, Matthew Bennett. She is survived by her sister, Betty Good, sons Paul Wilson and Dan Wilson (Kristin), daughters Judy Marz (Bud) and Barbara Bull (Terry), daughter by love, Glenda Wade (Glen), 13 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A big thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff at Heart and Home Hospice! In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Life Line Pregnancy Center, 1323 Twelfth Avenue South, Nampa, ID 83686; Missionary Aviation Fellowship, 112 North Pilatus Lane, Nampa, ID 83687 or a charity of your choice.
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