Ardis L. Smith

Ardis Loree (Newman) Babl-Smith left a huge void on earth as she began her everlasting life on Monday, October 7, 2024. Ardis was born to Oscar and Vannie Newman on June 30, 1929, near O'Neill, NE, and joined her siblings, Clifford, Vivian, Lucy, Edna, and Eldred, as the baby in the family.

Ardis married the love of her life, Jerry Babl, on September 21, 1948. To their union were born four very different-minded children: Diana, Deb, Mike, and Cindy. Together, they lived in Kimball and eventually moved to Ogallala, NE. Ardis was the original "people person" and worked in multiple retail positions throughout her life. She never had a bad word to say about any job and literally loved all aspects of working and raising her children.

She was the fashionista of her multiple friend groups, often dressing up any outfit with matching jewelry sets. She would often be found dancing up a storm, playing bridge, or chatting with anyone who needed a friend. She was the family memory vault and her grandchildren loved hearing about all of her life experiences as though it was straight from the history books. Her children would often tell Ardis things so when they forgot what it was they needed to remember, they could call mom to help them out!

She was most proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and told anyone and everyone about how she was even a Great-Great Grandma. She was very proud because she knew not many people ever got the chance to hold that title.

Ardis was welcomed to her eternal home by her parents, five siblings, husband Jerry Babl, daughter Cindy Bolton, son-in-law Rex Kolste, and second husband Derald Smith, along with countless other close friends and family members.

Ardis will be greatly missed by all who had the honor of calling her mom, grandma, friend, aunt, cousin, and more. Her legacy will continue by those left here on earth: her children Diana (Duncan) Hevenor of Casper, WY, Deb Kolste of Janesville, WI, Mike Babl of Ogallala, NE, Marty Bolton of Lewellen, NE; Grandchildren Wendy Matson, Amy (John) Tyler, Jason Babl, Jennifer (Mark) Berger, Andrew (Catherine) Kolste, Ali (Josh) Kolste, Tori Kolste, Chelsey (Jamie) Kennedy, Jessie (Austen) Godbersen; Great Grandchildren Adam (Jamie) Matson, Noah (Niann) Matson, Carter Matson, Faith (Rave) Tyler, Lizzie and Jagger Tyler, Olivia and Connor Kennedy, Arlo, Everitt, and Hayes Godbersen, April and Max Albrecht, Anna and Emma Kolste, and Nicholas Berger; and her Great-Great-Grandsons Logan and Parker Matson, and William Matson.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.