Ardith “Ardy” MacDonald

Minot

Ardith Jean “Ardy” was born on June 28, 1936, in Minot to Awaldt and Helen (Hayes) Klimple. She grew up in the Sawyer/Logan area and worked at Ellison’s Department Store, where she met her husband. Ardy married William “Bill” MacDonald on June 15, 1969, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Minot. In 1975, they moved to Parshall, where they soon purchased Westland Station and renamed it Mac’s One Stop. Ardy and Bill worked side by side for nineteen years before retiring in 1997. Bill passed away on Feb. 10, 2006.

Ardy’s kindness and compassion were well-known; she touched countless lives with her generosity and warmth. She worked at Rockview Nursing Home for thirteen years until it closed and devoted many hours to volunteer work.

Ardy loved her garden, which was more than a hobby. It reflected her nurturing spirit, strength, and continued engagement with life. Ardy found purpose and joy in the simple act of planting and tending, mirroring her deep-rooted love for life.

Ardy’s faith was a cornerstone of her life, not just a belief but a guiding principle that shone through in her interactions with others. She was a member of First Lutheran Church and active in the ladies’ aid and bible study. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and Golden Jet Set senior citizens.

Ardy took her first plane trip to North Carolina in 2016 to attend her great-niece’s wedding. It was a testament to her adventurous spirit. She wasn’t afraid to step outside of her comfort zone and travel for the first time to a new place to celebrate her family.

Next came her solo trip to Florida for Christmas, which spoke volumes about her independence and strength. Ardy’s excitement about her Florida adventures was reflected in the stories she shared with her Parshall friends.

She had many good friends. Those coffee dates and sweet treats were more than just enjoyable moments; they allowed her to live out her faith and spread joy. In 2019, Ardy moved to Minot to be closer to her family; her energy and passion for life and living persisted.

We would be amiss without recognizing how much Ardy cherished her relationships with people and her beloved dogs, Pepper and Piper. In fact, you may have heard Ardy refer to them as her “two special people.” The bond they shared was truly remarkable, and Pepper and Piper will undoubtedly miss her deeply. Her love for them and their unwavering loyalty to her were evidence of the beautiful bond they had.

All she did in life highlighted her vibrant personality and desire to have a deep bond with those she loved. She didn’t just experience life; she shared it, enriching the lives of everyone around her.

Ardy’s legacy isn’t defined by a list of accomplishments; it’s the profound impact she had on the lives of those around her through her bravery, generosity, unwavering faith, and infectious enthusiasm. When one thinks of Ardy, personal connections with family, friends, her doggies, and anyone she meets come to mind.

Ardy will be so dearly and profoundly missed by all. On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the age of 88, Ardith “Ardy” MacDonald passed away peacefully at her sister’s home, where she resided, in Minot. We will always remember her with love.

Ardy is survived by her sister, Joyce Nielsen and brother, Gary Klimple (LaDonnal), both of Minot; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her sister, Carol Berg; an infant sister; and best friend, Donna Nissen.

Funeral: Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 11 a.m., at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Parshall

Visitation: 2 hours prior to the start of the service in the church

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot (approximately 2 p.m.) Langhans Funeral Home, Parshall www.langhansfuneralhome.com.

Published by The Minot Daily News, March 8, 2025.