Ardell Adams

Ardell Clarence Adams was born on June 14, 1947, the son of Clarence and Lois (Carlson) Adams in Denison, Iowa. He was baptized into the Lutheran faith. Ardell grew up on a farm, where he helped his father and learned the value of hard work. He received his education from the Charter Oak-Ute Schools.

On May 16, 1970, Ardell was united in marriage to Melda Haney at the Lutheran Church in Logan, Iowa. The couple made their home in Dow City, where they raised three children and later helped raise two grandchildren. Along with farming alongside his father, Ardell worked at Iowa Beef Processors for one year and then at Farmland Foods for more than 40 years.

In his younger years, Ardell was active in an archery club and attended many archery events and competitions, proudly earning numerous first-place trophies. He enjoyed fishing with his lifelong friend, Wayne “Beaver” Mitchell. Ardell loved playing cards and games, especially rummy, euchre, UNO, and Yahtzee, and he cherished playing Wii with his granddaughters, where he was known to be quite competitive in Wii bowling.

He deeply valued time with family and loved hosting reunions and holiday gatherings. Following his well-deserved retirement in 2011, Ardell spent much of his time with family and friends, often working on projects in his garage. He especially enjoyed Sunday visits with family, watching football, and cheering on his favorite team, the Kansas City Chiefs. He also liked relaxing with Hallmark movies and NCIS, bird watching, and feeding the neighborhood squirrels. Ardell treasured visiting with his neighbor, Tara, and her family.

Above all, Ardell’s greatest joy was his family. He was a loving father and grandfather who always made sure his family was cared for. He played a special role in the lives of his granddaughters, Lexie and Lia, being both a father figure and a hero to them. He was also eagerly awaiting the arrival of his new great-grandson, due in December, who will carry on his name. Ardell will be remembered as a hardworking provider with a wonderful sense of humor who loved to make his family smile and laugh.

Ardell passed away on Saturday, October 18, 2025, in Dow City, Iowa, at the age of 78 years, four months and four days. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Melda Adams; sisters: Reta Lingle and Karen Adams; and son-in-law, Denny Waderich.

Ardell is survived by his three children: DaNette Waderich of Dow City, Travis (Will) Adams of Kansas City and Stephanie Adams of Dow City; grandchildren: Dustin (Elizabeth), David (Brittany), Anthony, Lexie and Lia (Rein); great-grandchildren: Jonah, Mason, Henry, Simon, Raevyn, Osirus, Nylah, Kyrie and another baby boy on the way; sister, Lola Bloyer of Sioux City; sisters-in-law, Gladys Trujillo of Colorado and Leslie Block of Omaha, Nebraska; close friend, Ed Green; and other family members and friends.

His wishes were to be cremated and the family will hold a Celebration of Life at a later date.