Ardis May Orthel

Ardis May Orthel, 91, of Branson, passed away on May 18, 2026.

Ardis was born on August 3, 1934, to Clifford and Lulu Shoger at home in Cedar Township, Mitchell County, Iowa. She attended a rural school in Oakdale Township, Howard County, and graduated from McIntire High School in McIntire, Iowa. She later entered Hamilton Business School in Mason City, Iowa, where she majored in Accounting.

Ardis was active in Girls 4 H throughout her youth and served as the Howard County Girls 4 H President for one year. After her marriage, she dedicated herself to raising her family while also working in accounting, tax preparation, and insurance sales. She was gifted in counted cross stitch and created many treasured pieces for family and friends.

In 1963, Ardis was called to be a Secular Franciscan in St. Paul, Minnesota. After moving to Springfield, Missouri, she and her late husband helped bring the Secular Franciscans to the area by assisting in the establishment of the Followers of Francis Fraternity in Springfield.

Ardis was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Merle Orthel; her son, Thomas Eugene Orthel; her parents, Clifford and Lulu Shoger; and two brothers, Marvin and Stanley Shoger.

She is survived by her six children: Debra Paulson and husband Raymond of Oakdale, MN; Janice Taylor of Nixa, MO; Joseph Orthel of Republic, MO; Mary Patton and husband Randy of Marionville, MO; Carol Nease of Springfield, MO; and Gregory Orthel and wife Kristie of Hollister, MO. She is also survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren who loved her dearly.

Graveside services will be at 10 am Friday May 22, 2026 at Weaver Cemetery in Ozark, Missouri with Chaplain John Millen officiating under the care of Herman Lohmeyer Funeral Home. No visitation is planned.

If desired, contributions may be made to The Kitchen or Ozarks Food Harvest in her memory.