Ardis Stilwell

Ardis L. Stilwell, 88, of rural Retreat, WI, passed away on Monday, July 11, 2022. She was born on February 19, 1934, to Robert and Eva (Oliver) Ross.

Ardis married Layne Stilwell on November 10, 1951, and they raised their family while farming for over 55 years, having pancakes every morning together. She enjoyed country life and spent much of her time tending her garden, growing crops, watching for deer and feeding the orioles or hummingbirds at her window. Ardis loved old-time music and could often be found tapping her toe to a song or traveling frequently with Layne to a dance with their friends. She also liked reading, especially Amish storybooks. Ardis was an avid quilter who could always be counted on to give one of her quilts as a wedding or baby gift. Among all her joys, nothing held a more special place in her heart than her family – they were always her number one priority. Ardis especially looked forward to Christmas with them and spent most her year finding presents and preparing for their family’s five-dollar Christmas gift game.

Ardis is survived by three children, Robbin (John Hanson) Henchen, Aline (Steve) Trussoni and Ronald (Amy) Stilwell; five grandchildren, Michael Henchen, Matthew (Katie) Henchen, Nicholas (Christy) Trussoni, Douglas (Julie) Trussoni and Kristal (Tim) Theobald; eight great-grandchildren, Erik, Emily, Addisyn, Jackson, Eva, Ean, Johanna  and Layne; a daughter-in-law, Judy Stilwell; a brother, Gale (Sandra) Ross; a sister-in-law, Betty Ross, and many other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, Ardis was preceded in death by her husband, Layne, in June 2007; a son, Robert “Bob” Stilwell, in August 2006; a son-in-law, Bruce Henchen, and siblings, Howard Ross and Helen (Ernie) Engen.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 16, at Thorson-Popp Funeral and Cremation Services. Burial will be in the Walnut Mound Cemetery, Retreat. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. Saturday until the time of service at the funeral home.