Ardyce L. Miller

Ardyce L. Miller, 95, passed away May 24, 2019 at Sanford Medical Center in Bismarck.

A memorial service will be held at 2:30 pm on Thursday May 30^th at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, ND.

Ardyce was born on October 21, 1923 in Story City, IA, the daughter of Leonard A. and Alma (Kalseim) Peterson. She was raised and attended schools in Story City then moved to Radcliffe, IA and graduated from Radcliffe High School in 1941.  Ardyce moved with her family to Des Moines, IA where she attended Drake University graduating in May of 1948.  She received her degree in Art History.

While working in Des Moines, Ardyce met Robert L. “Bob” Miller.  They were married on January 28, 1950.  Bob and Ardyce moved to Bismarck February 1950 during a snowstorm.  Bob took a position with Provident Life Insurance Company and Ardyce took an art teaching job at Will-Moore Grade School. 

Ardyce continued her love of teaching art history at Bismarck Junior College retiring in 1987.

She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church for 69 years. She was involved in many community organizations including a charter member of the Bismarck Art Association (now BAGA) PEO, Investment Club and Ft. Nightly. She enjoyed many different social bridge groups through the years.

Being the art teacher she was, she facilitated TOYLAND in 1958.  TOYLAND is a long time Bismarck tradition with nearly every home on Sioux Avenue displaying a toy themed decoration during the Christmas holiday season.  Many of the original decorations dating back to the 1950’s are still placed in front of the homes.  Ardyce chose the toy dolls Raggedy Ann and Andy as her display.

She is survived by her daughters and sons in law, Ann and Jeff Kempf of Bismarck; Jean and David Tandy of Georgetown, TX.; grandchildren Chris (Heather), Kathryn (Monte), Benjamin, Jonathan and Matthew. She is also survived by a sister, Beverly Green and many nieces and nephews.  She had 6 great grandchildren with Jane Amalea Kempf born one hour after she passed on May 24.

Ardyce is preceded in death by her husband, Robert L. “Bob” (January 3, 2003), her parents and sister, Phyllis Herter.

Memorial may be given to Trinity Lutheran Trust Fund, BSC Foundation or a charity of your choice.