Ardella Darline Skog Young

Ardy, as she was known by her family and friends, was born to Paul and Esther Skog on May 13, 1933. She was raised on a dairy farm in Ellsworth, WI with two older sisters and a younger brother. They were a hardworking and loving family. The farm was a wonderful place for growing up. She attended a small country school with grades 1-8. When she finished school there, as a young teen, she joined her older sister at Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis MN as a boarding student. It wasn’t easy being away from her family, but she studied hard knowing that her parents had sacrificed much to give her a better education there. She and her sister did travel home sometimes on the weekend and Ardy looked forward to her mother’s home cooking and love. Many times they would return to Minnehaha with one of her mother’s homemade apple pies, a real treat. Upon graduation from Minnehaha Academy Ardy attended North Park College in Chicago and later the University of Minnesota earning her degree in Elementary Education. She went on to teach 3rd grade for several years.

While at the University of Minnesota she attended a party hosted by college boys from nearby Bethel Seminary. It was there that she met her future husband, Jim Young, originally from Youngstown OH and studying to be a Pastor. They started dating while finishing up their degrees and married on Sept 3, 1955. From the start Ardy was a supportive and devoted Pastor’s wife as was demonstrated when the they left all their family behind and spent their honeymoon driving from WI to San Diego, CA so that Jim could be ordained and begin serving at College Avenue Baptist Church.

Ardy served alongside Jim selflessly throughout five decades of ministry in San Diego. She taught countless children’s Sunday School classes, Girl’s Meeting God (GMG), Pioneer Girl’s, and cared for many babies in the church nursery. In addition, she led women’s Bible studies, was on the prayer chain and mentored many ladies and young girls in their church. Ardy was always willing to encourage someone with a Bible scripture and by praying for them. A Bible was always on her kitchen counter at home and a monthly prayer calendar hung on her fridge with the names of extended family that she and Jim prayed for on certain days throughout the month. She believed mightily in the power of prayer. She truly lived out her faith to those around her impacting many lives for Jesus.

In later years, Ardy enjoyed being a “Rent a Granny” to a few young children in the area. She developed close relationships with the families she worked for. She loved her six grandchildren dearly taking every opportunity to spend time with them and care for them whenever needed. Each grandchild will carry with them treasured memories of times spent with their one and only Grammy.

Ardy will also be remembered for her chocolate chip cookies that she always kept on hand in the freezer for her kids and grandkids and her delicious Swedish tea ring and Swedish meatballs for Christmas. She enjoyed crocheting afghans. Her favorite vacation spot was Lake Mary in Mammoth Lakes, CA.

She was a little lady in stature, delicate and quiet, but Ardy had a strong, deep faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and was full of kindness and love. Her welcome into heaven by her Savior truly must have been “well done my good and faithful servant”.

She is survived by daughter Carla (Skip) Angus, daughter Lynette (Ron) Webb. Six Grandchildren - Raelene (Ricky) Ybarra, Karalee (Scott) Robison, Ryley (Laura Beth) Webb, Colin (Carli) Webb, Anna Webb and Drew Webb. Ten great grandchildren – Eden, Candace, James, Phoebe, Emerson, Adalee Grace, Jonah, Gideon, Blake and Jonathan. Sister Evie (Skog) Pearson and Brother Leland Skog.

Preceded in death by husband James D Young, great grandson baby Richard Eugene Ybarra, parents Paul & Esther Skog, baby sister Joan Skog, sister Marjorie (Skog) Voth, brother in law Donald Pearson, sister in Law Joanne Skog.

Donations can be made in memory of Ardy at:

Voice of the Martyrs: 1815 SE Bison Rd., Bartlesville, OK 74006 | Persecution.com

Far Reaching Ministries: 38615 Calistoga Dr., Suite 100, Murrieta, CA 92563 | FRMUSA.org

Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201 | billygraham.org