Ardella W. Ikner

Ardella W. Ikner, age 94 of Denver, Colorado passed away on March 13, 2024. Born on February 25, 1930, in Wiergate, Texas, she was the youngest of nine children of the late Fred Eddie Simmons and Hattie Shankle.

Ardella attended Wiergate High School, where she graduated as valedictorian of her graduating class. Ardella Ikner attended nursing school in Pennsylvania and received Bachelor and Master degrees from the University of Colorado.

Ardella retired from the U.S. government as a Supervisory Personnel Management Specialist after 31 years. Although she retired from the government, she didn’t retire from helping others. She continued her calling to assist other by working as a Nurse Clinician with the Mental Health Corporation of Denver for five years.; additionally, she worked part-time with the Visiting Nurses Association.

Adella once served as a secretary for the Far Western Region of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc, receiving the Regional Director's award for outstanding service and was named Soror of the year by Beta Nu her local Chapter. She also served as the Membership Chairman for the National Council of Negro Women Denver Section. Ardella receive the title of Past Grand Worthy Matron of Columbine Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star and it's Jurisdiction, Prince Hall, Affiliation, Past Matron of Queen of the South Chapter #11 OES, PHA, Past Most Ancient Matron of Josephine Brown Court #21, Heroines of Jericho, Past Honorary Illustrious Commandress of Syrian Court # 40 Daughters of Isis, and Career Women of the Association of Federal Professional and Administrative Women. Ardella is also in Who's Who of Professional Women addition to receiving many outstanding employee and public service awards.

Ardella is preceded in death by her husband Rufus L. Ikner, her sons Ronnie D. Ikner and Wayne D. Ikner, her great-grandson Elijah Shoeboot. Ardella is survived by her son, Louis D. Ikner and her daughter, Neva W. Ikner, her daughter in law Teresa Ikner, and grandchildren: Idris Ikner, Farisa Ikner, Shalom Fridell, Elizabeth Ikner, Hosanna Ikner, Abigail Ikner, Syrena Johnson, and great-grandchildren Leila Shoeboot and Jacob McAnally.

Ardella was nicknamed, “Roadrunner” because she was always on the go. Ardella collected frogs and turtles, and greatly enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, or gardening. She was most at home at her favorite fishing hole or digging around in the dirt.

A visitation for Ardella will be held Thursday, March 28, 2024 at Olinger Hampden Mortuary, 8600 E. Hampden Ave., Denver, CO 80231 from 9:30am - 11:30am.

A funeral service for Ardella will be held Thursday, March 28, 2024 at Olinger Hampden Mortuary, 8600 E. Hampden Ave., Denver, CO 80231 at 11:30am.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, March 28, 2024 at Olinger Eastlawn Cemetery 19600 E. Smith Rd., Aurora, CO 80011.

A reception will follow services at: The Masonic Cultural Center- Centennial Lodge # 4, 650 Billings St., Aurora, CO 80011.