Ardis Joanne Williams

Ardis Joanne Williams, 97, passed away Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

She was born December 16, 1928 in Lake Park Iowa to Clyde Casper Smuck and Selma Dorothea (Meyer) Smuck.

Ardis was born on a Dairy Farm in Iowa. She had an older sister Audrey Rose, and younger brother Rowland Leroy. Ardis went to a small rural school until grade 8. An unplanned transition happened durning World War II, which had a big impact that she often spoke about. They moved to Los Angeles, CA, and Ardis went to the large urban John H Francis Polytechnic High School for grades 9-12, where she also worked as a student office assistant.

After high school, Ardis had a brief first marriage to Gerald Nelson on Oct 2, 1948 in Las Vegas, NV which ended in Los Angeles, California on Dec 14, 1949.

Ardis' goal was to become a professional Secretary, and has numerous training certifications. Encouraged by family to travel and see the world, Ardis took a government proficency exam. She was hoping to be hired in Europe, but was qualified for openings in Japan, so she was employed by the Central Command Headquarters and off she went! She recalled the long boat ride where she and 2 roommates worked in the boats office putting together a daily newletter for the passengers and crew.

While working on an Air Force base in Japan, she met her 2nd husband Richard Williams.. They were married on June 10, 1955 at the American Embassy in Tokyo. After their assignments were done, they returned to the USA, stopping in Hawaii for some R&R. Richard's career took them to Washington state and finally in northern California. They had a cute house in Petaluma, enjoyed water skiing, and Ardis received her Associates in Arts Degree from College of Marin and Strayer Junior College of Finance. After retiring from the US Air Force, Richard hand built an ocean going boat, and wanted to sail the world. Their marriage dissolved on Oct 10, 1974.

Ardis was the office manager for a very successful architecture firm, Haines Tatarian Ipsen & Associates, and ultimately an administrative asssitant for a large international bank, CitiBank. Ardis also had a very accomplished personal life. She was president of many national organizations and active in the Architectural Secretaries Association, International communication training, real estate laws and escrows, Meditation and mindfullness training, and excelled in the International Toastmistress Clubs speech contest, coming in 2nd place in 1984!

In 1999, Ardis retired, and moved to Rossmoor, an ideal senior living community in Walnut Creek, CA . There she had the perfect town home and thrived, practicing mindfullness, yoga, daily walks, Hawaii club and so much more. For 25+ years, she enjoyed her neighbors, friends and family and occasional travels. Ardis was loved by all.

In 2025, Ardis moved into the Southgate Senior Center in St George, UT, where she received the best compassionate and professional care until her passing. Ardis is survived by her nieces and nephew. Per her wishes, Ardis ashes will be scattered in the San Francisco Bay by the Neptune Society.

Services are provided by Hughes Mortuary, 435-674-5000, 1037 E 700 S, Saint George UT 84790.