Ardyce Leora Lukehart, 27 Feb 1923 - 15 Feb 2014

LUKEHART, RINEHART, HERZBERGER, COWDIN, OBRIEN, SWAYZE

Posted By: Sandy Ficken (email)
Date: 3/5/2014 at 15:59:56

Posted: February 18, 2014 in The Gazette

ARDYCE LUKEHART
Marion

Ardyce Leora Lukehart, 90, of Marion, passed away peacefully in the arms of her daughter and granddaughter on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014, at St. Luke's Hospice. Services: 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories by Pastor Lynn L'Abbe. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Cedar Memorial Funeral Home.

Ardyce was born on the family farm in Victor, Iowa, on Feb. 27, 1923, the daughter of Levi and Laura Rinehart. She spent her childhood in Victor with her older brother, Floyd. Ardyce always had fond memories of her years at home and loved sharing her stories of simpler times with her family. Her brother, Floyd was an avid ham radio operator and Ardyce would often sit in on conversations with him. She was introduced via the radio to William Lavern "Lucky" Lukehart. The two were married years later on Jan. 29, 1943.

Ardyce worked at Rockwell Collins for a short time as well as a small book bindery in Cedar Rapids, ultimately staying at home to lovingly raise their two children, Allen and Janet Lukehart. They spent many family trips traveling to Coco Beach, Fla., creating for Allen and Janet a love of the ocean that would also be shared with her grandchildren, April and Casey.

Ardyce spent her life pouring her love and devotion into her family. She gracefully took loving care of her mother, Laura. She and Lucky were "second parents" to April and Casey and later played a vital part in their first great-granddaughter, Kaylie's life. Ardyce enjoyed spending time with her youngest great-grandchildren, Lily and Luke and they have enjoyed a special bond.

She loved gardening, playing basketball and all the many friendships she had along the way.
She is survived by her daughter, Janet (Mark) Herzberger; grandchildren, April (Brad) Cowdin and Casey O'Brien; and great-grandchildren, Kaylie Swayze and Lily and Luke Cowdin.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lucky; and son, Allen.

A memorial fund in her name has been established.

Please leave a message or tribute to Ardyce's family on the website, www.
cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.