Ardith Ann Cornelison, age 87, of Red Oak, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, September 28, 2022, at Goldenrod Manor in Clarinda, Iowa. Ardith was born September 20, 1935 in Wales, Iowa, the daughter of Ray and Fern (Pehrson) Gammell. She was raised in the Wales area graduating from Wales Lincoln High School as valedictorian in 1953. Ardith worked for Martin and Sons as a secretary from 1952-1966. During this time, she was united in marriage to Richard "Dick" Cornelison on September 26, 1959 in Red Oak, Iowa. Ardith lived most of her life in Red Oak, Iowa. She was a clerk at Gibson's from 1966-1969 and then started a long career with Houghton State Bank as an installment loan officer retiring in 1999. She also owned and operated Johnny's Steakhouse with David Hammer from 1985-1989. Ardith worked with her son, Jason, operating Viking Lake Concessions from 1998-2005. She also worked at Acorn Clothing from 2000-2006 at which time she retired. Ardith was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church, Altrusa, and Montgomery County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, working many hours in the Lemon Tree. She always enjoyed sports, playing basketball in high school and bowling and women's softball league in her adult years. She was inducted as a member of the Bowling Hall of Fame. Ardith was a great cook, who enjoyed baking and loved spoiling her grandkids.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband: Richard Cornelison on July 31, 2015; sister: Betty Lehman; brother: Eldon Gammell; brothers-in-law: Ross Lehman and Kenneth Cornelison; and sister-in-law: Darlene Anderson. Survivors include her children: Mike Cornelison and wife Ann of Ankeny, IA; Kelly Boucher and husband Mark of Elliott, IA; and Jason Cornelison and wife Megan of Clarinda, IA; grandchildren: Matt Cornelison and wife Ashley of Chicago, IL; Josh Cornelison and wife Stacia of Chicago, IL; Luke Cornelison and fiancé Elizabeth of Chicago, IL; Jessica Wong and husband Eric of Papillion, NE; Mason Boucher and McKenna of Geneva, NE; Alyx Jorgensen and husband Christian of Griswold, IA; Hannah Boucher of Omaha, NE; Kayla Cornelison and Tyler of Clarinda, IA; Jordyn Cornelison of Omaha, NE; Jaxon Cornelison of Clarinda, IA; and Dylan Reynolds of Clarinda, IA; great grandchildren: Connor, Fallon, Krew, Holland, and Cash; sister-in-law: Margy Gammell of Creston, IA; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services will be held 10 AM Monday, October 3, 2022, at the First United Methodist Church. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held from 4-6 PM Sunday, October 2, 2022, at the Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church.

Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements