It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ardella Hodgson, our loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many, on Tuesday, September 5, 2023.  She was in her 89th year.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Le Mars.  Pastor Barb Johnson will officiate.  Burial will follow at Memorial Cemetery in Le Mars.  Visitation with the family present will be from 9:00 a.m. until service time on Thursday at the funeral home.  Arrangements are with the Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Le Mars, Iowa.  Expressions of sympathy can be extended to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com.

In lieu of flowers or donations, we know Ardella would be overjoyed if you would, in her memory, donate blood at your local blood donation center.

Born and raised by Elmer and Emma (Seiler) Miller in Marshall, Minnesota, Ardella lived through incredible domestic and world events, including the Great Depression, WWII, civil rights and women's movements, Korean and Vietnam Wars, the Cold War, and 9/11 to name a few.  While she was born in the middle of the Great Depression, its consequences played a significant role in her approach to life and the manner in which she raised her and Clayton's children.

After finishing high school in Marshall, Westmar College brought Ardella to Le Mars where she graduated with home economics and biology degrees.  After teaching for two years in Linn Grove, Iowa, she attended Iowa State University where she earned her master's degree in equipment and management in the College of Home Economics.

She returned to Le Mars where she taught at Westmar.  She also reconnected with Clayton, whom she ultimately married on April 7, 1962.

She was the beloved mother of Beth Schuetz, Dave Hodgson, Jill (Scott) Boeyink, and Doug (Liz) Hodgson.  She was the proud grandmother of Luke and Matt Schuetz, Jackie (Jesse) Langel, Jeremy (Ashley) Boeyink, Nicole (Kyle) Reich, Erica Boeyink, Madeleine and Caroline Hodgson. She felt very blessed to also get to know her great grandchildren: Brinley and Bentley Boeyink, Aria and Nixon Langel, and Rylan and Brooks Reich.

Ardella was predeceased by her parents; her sister, Gloria Magnuson; her son in law, Richard Schuetz; and brothers-in-law, Gordan Magnuson and Chuck Logan.

Ardella lived a full and meaningful life as a wonderful wife, mother, teacher, political campaigner, homemaker, and consultant – first of Mary Kay products and later for Avon.  She was an avid volunteer for numerous organizations, including her and Clayton's church.  She took particular pride in donating blood over the years and even, at one point, reached the 15 plus gallons level.  She also judged numerous 4-H entries at fairs. Ardella enjoyed embroidery and made all the dresses for Beth and Jill's respective weddings – in two consecutive years!  She passed down her love of sewing (and her old Singer sewing machine) to her granddaughter, Erica.  She was crowned "Homemaker of the Year" in 1977.

She loved to cook and was well known for many dishes, especially her rhubarb torte, Swedish tea rings and potato salad.  A farm girl at heart, gardening was also a passion and one she shared with her children.  While Ardella occasionally could be somewhat stoic, she also was known for disarming people with her quick wit.

Most of all, she loved her family and instilled in her children strong, enduring Christian values that have served them well.  She will be dearly missed and will always hold a special place in our hearts.

"Great moms, wives and friends are love, and that never grows old, in this world or the next." – Author unknown.