Ardythe Ellen Waldrop, 74, of Owatonna, died Sunday, July 9, 2017 at Homestead Hospice House. She was born November 26, 1942 in Joice, Iowa the daughter of Melvin and Margret (Patterson) Furness. Ardi graduated from Joice High School in 1960. After high school, she moved to Chicago where she worked for Western Union. She attended secretarial school in Nebraska prior to working for DeLuxe Products in Lake Mills, IA. Ardi married Jerald Waldrop Feb. 25, 1962 in Joice, IA. The couple moved to Owatonna where she continued working for Western Union, started her family, and joined Trinity Lutheran Church together. With their own hands, Jerry and Ardi built the house where they lived for 45 years. Driven by her love of children, she worked for the Owatonna School District for 36 years, primarily at McKinley Elementary school as a teachers' aide and secretary. Her passions were raising her own family, grandchildren, her great granddaughter, reading, and bridge club. Ardi also enjoyed traveling, electronic games with friends, bowling, and tennis. She is survived by her husband, Jerald Waldrop of Owatonna; daughters, Michelle (and Edward) Tarka of Northfield, Marsha (and Bobby Jon) Elliot of Hastings; son, Shannon (and Carrie) Waldrop of Eagan; 4 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; brother, Mark Furness of Owatonna; sister, Patty (and Marvin) Abbott of Forest City, Martha Furness of Madrid, IA and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister-in-law, Nancy Furness; niece, Jennifer Furness; nephew, Joel Furness. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Wednesday from 5pm to 8pm and at Trinity Lutheran Church on Thursday from 10am to 11am. Funeral services will be held July 13, 2017 at 11am at Trinity Lutheran Church with The Reverend Amanda Weinkauf officiating. Memorials are preferred to Owatonna Public Library, Owatonna School District 761 Foundation or to the donor's choice. Interment will be at a later date in Brush Point Cemetery in Hanlontown, Iowa. Visitation: 07/12/2017 17:00 07/12/2017 20:00 Service: and at church one hour prior to the service. 07/13/2017 11:00