Ardella Ringwalt Frantz

Ardella Ringwalt Frantz, born December 31, 1926 in Oakley, Kansas, at the home of her parents, Dr. and Mrs. L.B. Ringwalt, died April 20, 2013. Ardella graduated from Oakley, Kansas schools and the University of Kansas with continuing graduate studies at Emporia State, Marymount College and Western State College. She was a member of Mu Phi Epsilon Music Fraternity, KU Alumni Association and American Guild of Organists. She taught public and parochial school music in Kansas schools and taught organ and piano privately since graduation. During her life, she was a teacher, a mentor and a dear friend to her students, many of whom kept in touch with her all of her life. She never lost her joy for the beauty in the world, whether it be the frost-covered landscape or the return of the birds in the spring. Her constant joy was flower gardening. Survivors include her son, Eric J. Frantz; nieces, Mary Wilson, Gina (Fred) Dove, Maureen (Steve) Metheny, Elle (Doug) Brunner, Karen Highley, Jan (Hugh) Collins; nephews, Louis (Margaret) Wilson, Mark Wilson and David (Barbara) Ringwalt. Deceased family members: parents; sisters, Ruth Isabelle and Nina; brother, David, and nephews, Lee and Leonard. A Memorial Service in Oakley, Kansas, will be held at a date to be determined. A memorial has been established with Garden City Animal Shelter, 206 Isabel, Garden City, KS 67846. Arrangements by Downing Lahey Mortuary West.