Ardith Plank

Ardith Plank, 88, of Chatfield, passed away on June 18, 2018.

Ardith was born on May 18, 1930, to Gerold and Alice (Norton) Casler in Winona, Minn.  She attended school in Winona and received her GED from RCTC.

Ardith married James T. Plank on January 31, 1953, in Winona. The couple honeymooned in the Blue Ridge Mountains; her favorite memory was picking daffodils along the way.

Ardith worked for Mayo Clinic at the St. Marys Hospital for 19 years as a Unit Assistant in the Cardiac Surgical Unit. There she was honored with the Karis Award for clinical care excellence.

Jim and Ardith owned a small hobby farm in west Chatfield where they raised chickens, sheep and horses. They traveled with their horses to a number of different states, camping with their family and friends. The Black Hills was one of Ardith’s favorites. In their later years, Jim and Ardith took many bus trips throughout the United States. Ardith was an avid collector of blue glass and her collection was showcased throughout their home.

Ardith is survived by her children: Dennis (Jill) Kelly of Rochester, Angel (Duane) Bakke of Lanesboro, Patty (Eric) Kammer of Chatfield, and Sherman (Christy) Plank of Douglas; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband Jim, son Travis James Plank, three brothers and two sisters.

Her memorial service will be held Tuesday, June 26, 2018, at 1 p.m. at United Methodist Church in Chatfield, with Pastor Debra Jene Collum officiating. Visitation will be held one hour before services at the church. A private family committal will take place at a later date.

Riley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. To share a condolence with the family please visit RileyFuneralHomes.com.