Ardis Pearl Christman

Ardis Pearl Christman, age 86, of Freedom Village, Lake Forest, California passed away on April 3, 2012. She was born July 6, 1925 in Grant County, North Dakota in a sod house. There, she was sent off to school on a pony that knew the path back and forth. Also, in North Dakota, as a young girl she adopted a pet skunk. Her dad, Freeman Geer was a rancher, farmer and later in life an upholsterer. Her mother, Sadie raised five children. Ardis's brothers were Elliott, Ferris (Red), and Clifford. They all preceded Ardis in death. She is survived by her younger sister, Velma Peck of Washington. As a young girl, Ardis's family worked their way, during the difficult times of the Depression, to Ellensburg, Washington, living in a rustic home-built camper along the way. In the early 1940's she moved to Seattle with her best friend Maxine Anthony(Wilson) and worked as, 'Rosie the Riveter' on B-17's and P-38's. While working in Seattle and attending USO dances, she met the love of her life: the TALL, handsome Lloyd Ray Christman. Lloyd taught her the double shuffle, their favorite dance, and as a pair they "cut a rug." One of their favorite songs was, "Always."

After their marriage, Ardis moved with her beloved sailor boy and struggled to survive in the naval town of Norfolk, Virginia. After the War, they moved to Ontario, California, Lloyd's hometown. Lloyd tore down a barn for the Chaffee sisters from which he recycled the wood and square nails to build their first home. In Ontario, they raised their two boys, Richard Ray and Robert Lloyd. She enjoyed being a mom, den mother, PTA member and Copperette. Many memorable weekends were spent at the cabin in Angeles Oaks that Lloyd built with help from family and friends.

In 1963, the family moved to the City of Orange, where the boys graduated from high school. As a result of Lloyd's job promotion in 1969, he and Ardis moved to Camarillo. There they formed many lifelong friendships, took up square dancing and with the cul-de-sac group enjoyed many trips and good times together. During this time Ardis became Head Baker for a school district, an extraordinary tole painter, and world traveler. Ardis remained dedicated to her Washington state Geer family and enjoyed attending reunions. Ardis loved providing arts and crafts projects, enjoyed by all who attended. Lloyd and Ardy were married for almost 50 years. After his death in 1995, she remodeled, re-landscaped, joined the Red Hatters, took trips with the Camarillo Friends of the Library, continued her world travels, joined the Camarillo Christian Church and expressed her own unique voice.

Moving to Freedom Village, Lake Forest in 2005, she blossomed once again as she became involved with new friends, volunteering, and expressing her artistic talents in the Sunshine Room to the benefit of all the residents. She also joined Saddleback Christian Church continuing her spiritual journey. During this time, her son Richard Ray preceded her in death. The move to Freedom Village was one of the initiatives Ardis undertook to manage her end of life needs in consideration and respect for family, making the final life transition as easy as possible for everyone. The family wishes to thank the staff of Freedom Village Heath Care Center for the exceptional care given to Ardis during the last months of her life.

What did Ardis leave as part of her legacy? She shared her love of life with family and friends. She loved the outdoors, nature, gardens, and trees were always a huggable moment, be they a grizzly Bristlecone Pine, or a large oak. Ardis played violin in high school and imparted her lifelong enjoyment of music to her two talented boys and grandson, Evan. She treasured her grandsons, Evan, Jay and Kristopher who were showered with her unconditional time, energy and love. Her thoughtfulness and concern for others graced all she did in life imparting much love to family and long-term friends. She easily struck up a conversation with anyone who crossed her path and left them feeling blessed. She provided a positive example, as a model of aging, maintaining an overall positive attitude, even under difficult circumstances. For family, she provided the example of travel and time together; be it playing games, heli-hiking or the cabins at Lake Mary for building memories of times and adventures shared. This legacy will continue to be passed on.

Ardis Christman is survived by her son, Robert Lloyd Christman; daughter-in-law, Meredith; grandson, Evan Lloyd; daughter-in-law, Jill Christman; grandson, Jay Richard Christman; sister, Velma; and honorary family, Richard, Christine and Kristopher Lloyd Greek; along with many relatives and friends.

For those wishing to commemorate Ardis's life, donations may be given to the charity of their choice.

A viewing will be held on Friday, April 6, 2012 from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Pacific View Mortuary in Corona del Mar with a cryptside service on Monday, April 9, 2012 at 1:00 pm at Bellevue Memorial Park in Ontario.