Ardath Ann Dums
Ardath Ann Dums, 89, of Whittlesey, died Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024 at Aspirus Hospital in Medford surrounded by her family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 16, 2024 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Whittlesey with Fr. Patrick McConnell officiating. Interment will follow at OLPH Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m.
Ardath was born Jan. 1, 1935 in the town of Chelsea to Carl Jr. and Lena (Born) Brandner. She grew up in Whittlesey, attended Whittlesey School and graduated from Medford High School in 1952.
On Aug. 27, 1955, she married Richard Dums. He was in the Air Force, stationed in Louisiana. They remained there until the time of his discharge, and then returned to WI, making their home in Whittlesey. Ardath worked at various Medford financial institutions and then worked for Taylor Electric until her retirement.
Ardath was a devoted and active member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, its Ladies Sodality and the Whittlesey Quilters Club. Although not an actual member of the Whittlesey Lions Club, she often worked behind the scenes to help make community projects a success.
Ardath was competitive by nature. She helped form the Whittlesey Women’s Softball Team, managing and playing for many years. She also enjoyed being a part of bowling, horseshoe and dartball leagues as well as playing cards with family and friends. Ardath and Rich made over one thousand sets of bean bag games used by many in the area. She kept track of and used over 8,000 lbs of beans to fill the bags!
1935-2024
Together, Ardath and Rich traveled to all 50 states. They also visited many other countries, usually via a cruise line. They were always excited to learn and experience the world around them. Las Vegas was a City they visited often, usually returning home broke!
Ardath enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening, as well as crafting many afghans, dishrags and hangers for loved ones. She was an awesome cook and often showed her love by delivering food to others or welcoming them into her home to share a meal. Ardath’s kind heart was evident in her willingness to help people. Her generous nature and warm smile were contagious.
She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Richard of Whittlesey; three children, Jayne (Dave) Haenel of Whittlesey, Al (Julie) Dums of Bloomington, Minn., Mary (Danny) Fliehs of Rib Lake; sister, Bonnie Fuchs of Medford; brother, Gary Graham of Whittlesey; brothers-in-law, Ray Dums of Hayward, Bob Dums of Marshfield; grandchildren, Ben (Julianne) Haenel, Pete Haenel, Becky (Steve) Wong, Erin (Josh) Meyer, Angelena (Justin) Voland, Patrick and David Fliehs, Katie and Eric Dums; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a son in infancy, David; brother, Jerry Brandner and sister Phyllis Fuchs; brothers-in-law, Fran & John Fuchs; sisters-in-law, Shelby Brandner, Lael and Helen Dums.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to the caring staff at the Aspirus Medford Hospital, the Taylor County Ambulance and the Marshfield Medical Center. Thank you for taking excellent care of Ardath in her final days, your compassion and tenderness will always be remembered.
Memorials are appreciated and may go to Aspirus Medford Hospital, Marshfield Medical Center and Black River Industries.
Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family.
Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online.
Paid Obituary 149343
