Ardele Louise Russik

Ardele Louise Ostrom was born in Binghamton, NY, on July 30, 1937, where she met her future husband, Bernard Michael Russik, as they played softball together as children in elementary school. They became friends and then high school sweethearts. After graduating in 1956, she and Bernie married on October 13 of that same year.

In 1959, they moved to Limestone, ME, where they remained for four years while stationed at Loring Air Force Base. While there, they had two daughters, Evelyn Marie and Maryanne Elizabeth. After moving back to Binghamton in 1963, they had their third daughter, Ardele Louise the next year.

In 1966, Ardele and her family settled in Endicott, NY, where they remained until 1979. While in Endicott, Ardele worked as manager of a dental office and as a salesperson in a dress shop.

After the family moved to Charlotte, NC, in 1979, Ardele resumed her career as office manager and then retired in 1997. After her retirement, Ardele enjoyed sewing and with her talent created everything from custom made curtains, bed linens, and upholstery to doll clothes, baby clothes, and beautiful outfits for her daughters.

Ardele also loved animals and was mother to an assortment of strays which she took in, most at the urging of her daughters. Throughout the years, cats named Shadow, Pinky, Jabot, and Bellus all had a place in her heart, and most recently Daisy the Yellow Lab, and the Black Lab Henry (The Tank), received Ardele’s love, attention, and devotion.

Ardele was predeceased by her husband Bernie, to whom she was married for 68 years. She is survived by her three daughters, Evelyn Russik, Maryanne Johnson, and Ardele Lindler, son-in-law Jimmy Lindler, granddaughter Ardele Wentowski and her husband Ray, grandson Jacob Lindler and his wife Erin, great-granddaughter Leah Ardele Lindler, granddaughter Caroline Smith Groat, her husband Chris, great grandson Mac Smith, great granddaughter Hannah Smith, and great grandsons Austin and Spencer Groat.

Ardele is remembered as a strong woman who freely gave encouragement, advice, and support to those who loved her, giving them the confidence to achieve their goals. A solid presence, Ardele provided perspective and guidance to those whom she loved, and we will miss her greatly.

A Celebration of Ardele's life will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 10 am at McEwen Funeral Service - Pineville Chapel located at 10500 Park Road in Charlotte. Burial will follow at 1pm at Lakeview Memorial Gardens, 1775 Filbert Way in York, SC.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Humane Society of Charlotte, 1348 Parker Drive, Charlotte, NC 28208 or to SnipWell Spay Neuter and Wellness Clinic, 3463 US-21 #110, Fort Mill, SC 29715.