Ardis Gingery, 73, of Lake Andes

Ardis Faye Gingery, 73, died December 7, 2024, at the Community Memorial Hospital in Wagner, South Dakota. At her side at the time of death was her loving companion Mike Econome of Wyoming. Mike described Ardis as "the most beautiful soul he ever met."

Ardis was born February 28, 1951, in Tripp County, SD, to Curtis Milo Gingery and June Iris King. The family resided in White River and Kennebec, SD, during her youth. Ardis had two brothers, Lyle Curtis Gingery and Jack Harrison Gingery. The family took many vacations to the Black Hills, a place that was dear to Ardis' heart.

Ardis attended the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, graduating with a degree in library science, a fitting pursuit for someone who loved reading and books. She worked as a librarian in Wood, SD, before branching out into other careers. She worked at a school for native American children in northern South Dakota and at a senior care center in Custer, SD.

She and her parents relocated to Gillette, Wyoming, in the 1980s where Ardis was employed as a medical transcriptionist at Campbell County Memorial Hospital until her retirement. In 2018 she and Mike left the high plains of Wyoming for a home in the desert community of Blythe, California. Ardis and Mike loved to explore new places, and Ardis especially enjoyed the Pacific coast, the giant sequoias and redwoods and winters in Arizona.

Mike and Ardis left Blythe earlier this year, and after a brief stint in Nevada, they moved to Lake Andes, SD.

Ardis is survived by her companion, Mike Econome; brother Lyle (Barbara) of Millcreek, Utah; sister-in-law, Jeanne Gingery of Havre, Montana; nephews Phil (ShaLee) Gingery and Wes Gingery, both of Havre, Montana; and nieces Beth Lambeth of Rapid City, SD, and Tess (Curt) McConnell of State College, PA.

Preceding her in death were her parents and her brother Jack.

Ardis will be remembered for her big heart and kindness toward people and pets, and will be deeply missed.

A celebration of her life will be held later in the spring.