Ardythe Lorraine Kornstad, age 88 of Yakima, Washington passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at Cottage in The Meadow with her daughters by her side. She was born to the late David and Marie Greenwall on June 4, 1930 in Wausa, Nebraska.
Ardythe enjoyed life in rural Nebraska attending a small school in Wasau all twelve years. She was actively engaged in school serving as a class officer in various roles, played in the band, sang in the choir, and led the cheerleading club. With a strong academic record she graduated Salutatorian. Following high school she moved to join her sister, Eva Mae, in San Francisco where they worked briefly before settling in Medford, Oregon near family. It was at the Church of the Nazarene in Medford that she met and married her husband of 59 years Milton (Milt) Kornstad.
Ardythe began working at the country store in Wausa and continued to work in Medford, Springfield and Pendleton, Oregon in a variety of office roles. With her last move to Yakima, Washington she found work at Halverson and Applegate. She very much enjoyed the work there, retiring in 1993. She found joy in all the places she lived and worked; however, in Yakima she found satisfying work, a church and a home she loved.
Ardythe was always active in her church. She taught Sunday School most of her adult life. She also served on boards and committees, worked in the church office, kept financial records, and sang in the choir. One of her favorite things to do in later years was to work with children at New Hope Community Church of the Nazarene in a program called “Wednesday Winners.” Consistent Bible study and prayer were hallmarks of her life. She had a special scripture for each of her children, their spouses, grandchildren, their spouses, and great grandchildren.
Ardythe was not afraid to tackle a challenge. Some of those were going on back country family adventures, teaching her children to work in the bean fields around Eugene, Oregon, teaching Sunday School, keeping records for her neighborhood water association, and caring for her husband at home in his final years. Even in her last days the challenges of living alone did not convince her to accept a more comfortable living arrangement. Ardythe did not shy away from difficult circumstances and she did so with faith in her Heavenly Father, an infectious laugh and beautiful smile.
She was preceded in death by her husband Milton Kornstad and sister Marilyn Hult of Wausa, Nebraska. She is survived by her three children: Judy Hagler, Pam Mann, Vern Kornstad, their spouses Jeff Hagler, Dave Mann, and Jan Kornstad, eight grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren and sisters Elaine Konopasek and Eva Mae Music.
The family wishes to thank those amazing neighbors and care givers who made it manageable for her to remain in the home she loved.
A memorial service will be held on December 17, 2018 at New Hope Community Church of the Nazarene in Yakima at 1:00 pm. Arrangements are being handled by Keith and Keith Funeral Home of Yakima. Memories can be shared on their Web site and will be appreciated.
I am going there to prepare a place for you… I will come back and take you to be with me That you also may be where I am.
John 14: 2,3 NIV
