Ardis Marie Dowland

Born on October 20, 1937, in Stockbridge Township, Michigan, Ardis was the daughter of Lawrence Lang and Lottie Hoag. She graduated from Fowlerville High School and went on to build a dedicated career as an accountant at Sears in the Frandor Shopping Center—her one and only job, where she worked with diligence and pride.

Ardis was known for her fierce independence and unwavering honesty. She spoke her mind with clarity and confidence, never leaving anyone to wonder where she stood. While many around her married young, Ardis waited patiently for the right person to share her life with. That person was Harold Dowland. They were married on October 6, 1990, and shared a devoted union until Harold’s passing.

She had a deep love for travel and found joy in visiting family in Texas, exploring Branson, Missouri, and experiencing the beauty of Hawaii. A passionate cat owner and plant enthusiast, Ardis nurtured both with care and affection. Her generous spirit extended into her community through volunteer work at McLaren Hospital and along the Riverwalk in Lansing. A devoted member of Capital City Baptist Church, she read the Bible often and had a strong sense of faith, finding great comfort in her spiritual life and sharing her beliefs through prayer and encouragement. She was also an avid supporter of the MSU Women’s Basketball team, proudly holding season tickets for many years and cheering them on with enthusiasm.

Ardis is lovingly remembered by her siblings Alice Williams, Mildred Reed, Shirley Henning, and Charles Lang; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harold Dowland; siblings, Mary Anne Wallace and Robert Lang; and her parents, Lawrence Lang and Lottie Hoag.

Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her best—those who admired her strength of character, respected her honesty, and cherished her presence.

May her memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 3:00 to 7:00 pm at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 900 E Michigan Ave, Lansing. A funeral service will be held on at 11:00 am Friday, June 27th at Capitol City Baptist Church, 5100 W Willoughby Rd, Holt, with visitation one hour prior to service. A luncheon will follow. A Graveside Service will take place at 2:00 pm at Greenwood Cemetery 4350 Cemetery Rd, Fowlerville.