Ardith “Ardi” Atkins, 79, of Clarendon, PA, died Monday morning, December 21, 2020, at Warren General Hospital, Warren, PA, after an extended illness. She was born January 13, 1941 in Warren, PA. Ardi was the daughter of Norman McCool and Helen Geer McCool Adams. She had resided in the Warren area most of her life and had spent some time in Maine. Ardi was a 1959 graduate of Warren High School. She had been employed for many years as a Human Resources Benefits Coordinator at the former Rexnord, Inc., retiring from there on May 1, 2001. She then went to work for Blair Corporation. She was an avid music lover, enjoyed playing guitar and singing with her sister. They performed on the Warren radio stations.
She always had a beautiful smile. She was also a cancer survivor.
She is survived by her husband, James Atkins whom she married August 12, 1968, 1 sister – Diana McCool Bailey of Warren, PA., 1 Niece – Denise Stromdahl and husband, John, 5 Nephews – Dwayne A. Bailey of Shamong, N.J., Darby Bailey and wife, Lisa, Art Bailey, Jr., Corey Bailey and wife, Jen, all of Warren, PA., and several great nieces and great nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Michael Albaugh, brother-in-law, Arthur V. Bailey, Sr.
A private Celebration of Life will be conducted at the convenience of the family. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through Warren Cancer Center, 2 Crescent Park West, Warren, PA, 16365, or Paws Along the River, 212 Elm Street, Warren, PA, 16365. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com. The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.
In all the years I was with Rexnord – Ardi was, and will always be remembered in my mind, as the “Touchstone” against how all others will be measured. What a lady, in every sense of the word. Her loved ones surely feel the pain of their loss and my heart goes out to them. None who knew her will ever forget her – of that I’m sure.
Ardi was such a wonderful lady! I enjoyed our visits…
I do not remember meeting Ardith, but talking to Dwayne this past Monday I felt his loss. I do pray for strength for the family and love one during this time of sorrow.
I remember ‘Ardi’ from my time working at Rexnord in the mid-late ’70’s. She was a high energy lady, always polite and cheerful. When she came into our department the entire room brightened. Sympathy to Jim and the family and friends of this special lady. May she rest in God’s eternal glory.
Tim and Clara Olsen
She was such a wonderful person happy to have known her. Rest in peace you will be missed by everyone who knew you.
All fond of Ardi at the cancer center.
May God comfort you and give you peace.
I worked with Ardi for many years at Rexnord. I will always remember her as one of the nicest and most pleasant people I have ever met. She was always smiling and friendly, and would go out of her way to help anyone. My sympathy goes out to her family.
Ardi always had a smile….She was my mentor… We grew up together at Rexnord. She was always there when I needed her. (Like 3:30 am one night) I had 32 years at Rexnord and I know she had more.
I remember “funny” times… Good times… We walked at noon every day. One day we took our umbrellas because it looked like rain… We didn’t get thru the parking lot when the storm broke loose… It was raining hard and our umbrellas bent down around us. We couldn’t move, couldn’t see. I do remember Cliff Corey’s wife trying to rescue us. We couldn’t get to her vehicle. We couldn’t see. All 3 of us were laughing so hard…nothing we could do. Took us a few of hours to dry out.
I also remember hearing a story about a goat being at Rexnord –tied to a tree. Ask Bill Hendrickson about his pet goat.
I am sure we all have stories….She will be missed ….such a great person…
She was a wonderful person and much appreciated member of the Dunkirk Yacht Club where she and Jim spent many days on their lovely Jardim. She will be missed by all who knew her.