Ardelle was born Ardelle Lorraine Crabtree to Verde Wayne and Lillian Crabtree on October 23, 1928. She was married to Raymond Legel on August 28, 1948. Together they raised 4 sons in Crystal Lake.
Ardelle graduated from Crystal Lake Community High School in 1946. In addition to being an excellent student, she excelled in extracurricular activities such as cheerleading, running the high hurdles, president of the honor society, and was a member of the Homecoming Court her junior and senior year.
After her marriage to Ray, she maintained her active lifestyle inside and outside the home. She was an excellent cook, known for her deviled eggs, lemon cake, vegetable soup, and cinnamon rolls. Ardelle was a 69 year member of the First Congregational Church, active on any and all committees. She volunteered at the Crystal Lake Food Pantry, the Raue Center for the Arts, and was a member of the Crystal Lake Historical Society. She donated over 50 pints of blood to the local blood bank. Ardelle bowled at the Metro Bowl and was a league bowler for 62 years. She was an avid golfer, playing in women's and mixed leagues at Crystal Woods, recording two holes-in-one on #7. Ardelle was awarded the Crystal Lake Jaycees Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005.
Ardelle was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her brother Robert Crabtree.
She is survived by her four sons, Richard (Rose) of Claremore, OK, Ronald (Tamra) of Crystal Lake, Roger (Deborah) of Westmont, and Russell (Renee) of Fountain Inn, SC; her five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Ardelle was loved by all who met her. She will be missed.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake or to Suncrest Hospice Care.
