Ardith Lorraine Heles
May 16, 2014
Ardith Lorraine (Brechler) Heles, age 84, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 16, 2014, at Wesley Acres in Des Moines. Ardith was born on May 22, 1929, to Chris and Evelyn Brechler in Hardy, Iowa. She attended Renwick High School and business college in Minnesota.
Ardith was an active member of All Saints Parish where she was a past president of the Rosary Society. An avid reader, she taught a “Great Books” course for young people. She especially loved poetry and would often quote her favorite verses. She enjoyed playing tennis and was an excellent equestrian. In later years, she was a tour guide at the Governor’s mansion, Terrace Hill. She also volunteered as an advocate for Alzheimer’s patients. Ardith will be remembered as loving wife, mother, and grandmother; loyal and fun-loving friend; for her spirit, wit, generosity, and style; and for making the best chocolate chip cookies and fudge ever!
Ardith is survived by her children Robert M. (Bobbi) Heles of Des Moines, Diane Heles Bank of New York, and Lorraine Heles Baum of Colorado; brother Ronald (Jan) Brechler of Arizona; grandchildren Robert C. Heles, Dana Heles, Max Bank, Chloe Bank, and Caitlin Baum; and seven (almost eight) great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Robert J. Heles, and daughter Kathleen Heles.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wesley Acres, Animal Rescue League, Alzheimer’s Association, or All Saints Parish.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 23, 2014, at All Saints Catholic Church, 650 NE 52nd Avenue, with burial to follow at Glendale Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. at the church.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Wesley Acres for their kindness and exceptional care.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Marla Glenn
06/01/2014
Dear Lori, Diane, Bob and all the kids: this is a wonderful description of Ardith! Brought back so many memories, especially the chocolate chip cookies after school. And I have really missed our book talks in recent years. Lori, I wanted to call you but don't have a current number. Please get in touch. My love is with you all -- Marla
Michael Jackson
05/24/2014
Please accept my most profound and sincere condolences. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May the Lord grant you strength during your time of sorrow and all the days of your life.
john chambers
05/22/2014
bob, i am so sorry to learn of your mom's passing. my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
sincerely,
john s. chambers, dowling class of '70
Mary Benetti
05/22/2014
I am so sorry for your loss, Bob and Bobbi. May His love bring peace and serenity to your heart.
Bobbie (Walsh) Messick
05/22/2014
My condolences to Lori and the rest of the Heles Family. Your mom was such a lovely, gracious woman. I have fond memories of her as a Girl Scout leader. I know your hearts must be heavy with grief but I hope wonderful memories will ease your sorrow. I will remember all of you in my prayers.
Eric J. Butler
05/21/2014
I am deeply sorry for your loss Heles family
Vicky Tugel
05/21/2014
My deepest sympathy to all of you.
Ardith and I worked together at Americana Beauty Academy. She was a wonderful lady and I will treasure our friendship forever. God bless.
Maria Comito
05/20/2014
Sweet Bob, Diane and Lorraine, So very saddened to hear about your Mom. She was a strikingly beautiful person inside and out and I know she will be truly missed. She always had a warm smile and kind words to say to all. We, who grew up in the old neighborhood had such a unique bound. We were so blessed to have the parents that we had. Not only cared for their own but cared about the others too! God bless you all. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Mary (Maria) Comito
Babby Schmitz
05/20/2014
Lori, Bob, Diane and families, I am so sorry for your loss. I have such good memories of your Mom. I was there as much as I was home when I was little, and the influence of your Mom's spirit, style and love are with me to this day. (I also still eat cocoa and toast made with Hershey's cocoa) I could fill a book with my own memories. Hold yours close to you, it will help you keep her in your heart.
Cecelia (Hayes) Rodine
05/20/2014
To the Heles family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I have very fond memories of your Mom as my girl scout leader. She was such a patient and caring person. In more recent years she and I exchanged letters as well as visited in person when she traveled to New York City to see her grand daughter graduate. You were blessed with a wonderful mother. I hope your memories carry you through the coming days, weeks and months.
Lyra Halsten (Dena Cox)
05/20/2014
Dearest Friends, my heart and prayers go out to you. I'm so sorry for your loss. Ardith was truly beautiful, an inspiration and source of strength to everyone around her. I will always feel blessed to have had her and your father as my godparents and you as brothers and sisters. May your love and memories keep and sustain you during this sad time.
Shirley Fagan
05/20/2014
Bob and family: My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I had the opportunity of knowing your mother through church. She was one special lady. Please remember that if you need anything, I am just a phone call away. My love and payers to you as you go through this journey.
Kathy Salisbury
05/20/2014
Bob, I am so sorry to hear about the death of your Mother. Although I only met her a couple of times I found her to be a lovely woman, graceful and kind. My prayers to you and your family for your loss.
Robbi Christy
05/20/2014
My heart and thoughts go out to Lori and sibs, what a beautful lady inside and out.I have vivid memories of our girl scout meetings which I loved,because Mrs Heles was such a great leader . Love and peace to you all. .Robbi
Becky Olson
05/20/2014
Bob, Diane, Lori and families,
I was so saddened to hear of the passing of your Mother. She was such a kind, generous and warm hearted Lady. She will always be a large part of many wonderful childhood memories I have of spending time at your house when we were growing up. I will keep you in my thoughts.