Ardis Willcox

Ardis Elaine Willcox (Paulson), age 94, passed away peacefully on March 17,2024, in Rushford, Minnesota. She was born on November 4, 1929, in a farmhouse in Lanesboro, Minnesota. She graduated from Peterson High School in 1948 and attended Winona Business College for one year. After graduation in 1949, Ardis worked at the Mayo Clinic for 3 ½ years. In 1952 Ardis met and married Benton Earl Cady at the Arendahl Lutheran Church.  In 1967, shortly after moving to Vermont with her husband Benton and three young children, Benton passed suddenly at the early age of 36, and Ardis became a single working mother.

Ardis was employed for 28 years as an Administrative Assistant for the Franklin County Extension Service, University of Vermont. With the support of her family and coworkers, Ardis earned an Associates degree from the University of Vermont. Ardis was a beloved member of her community and actively participated in civic and community activities. She served on the St. Albans Town Planning Commission, was a member of the Business Professional Women’s Club, dedicated her time as a Brownie leader, Cub Scout den mother, and Sunday school teacher.

Ardis’s good friends Gerry and Fran Morong of St. Albans introduced Ardis to Robert Willcox while at a square dance party. They married in August of 1972. The Morong clan became Ardis and Bob’s second family, along with Laurea and Maurice Bonnette.

Ardis will be remembered for her loving nature and happy disposition. She is survived by her sister Doris (Robert) Sheeley, her children, DeeAnn Cady (Al Butler) of White Bear Lake, David Cady of Rushford. She is also survived by her stepchildren, Douglas (Delores) of North Bend, Nebraska, and Jeffrey of Soldotna, Alaska. Ardis leaves behind her grandsons, Benton (Cherie), Charles, Erik, and Ivan Cady, as well as great-granddaughter, Charlotte. She also leaves behind her step-grandchildren, Deborah Willcox, Danielle (Adam) Hunnel, Derrick (Rebecca) Willcox, Denise (Joshua) Eads, Dustin Willcox, and six step great-grandchildren. Ardis is also survived by her, and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Ardis was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Ella Paulson, and her stepfather, Carl Paulson. She was also preceded in death by her husbands, Benton Earl Cady and Robert Willcox; and by her son Paul Cady and by her daughter in law Charlene Cornelius Cady.

Ardis found solace in her faith and was an active member of Arendahl Lutheran Church and St. Albans Bay United Methodist Church.

A funeral service to honor Ardis’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 25, 2024 at Arendahl Lutheran Church. Prior to the funeral, a visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. Interment will take place at Arendahl Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Arendahl Lutheran Church.

The family has entrusted Hoff Funeral Home with the arrangements. www.hofffuneral.com.