Jeraldine “Ardyth” Nielson, 86, of Brookings, passed away on Monday, November 5, 2018, at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Funeral services are planned for Saturday, November 10, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings, with interment immediately following the service at Greenwood Cemetery in Brookings. A visitation will be held one hour prior to service time, beginning at 1 p.m.
Jeraldine Ardyth Nielson was born on January 27, 1932, to Willard and Mary Alma(Karnes) Plymate in Dixon Nebraska. Ardyth attained her early education through the Dixon School District. Ardyth graduated from Nettleton School of Business and worked as bookkeeper for the City of Brookings, but soon found herself immersed in classes to become a court stenographer. Upon completing her training, Ardyth worked as court reporter for Charles Mix County Judicial system until her retirement followed by relocation to Mitchell.
In Mitchell, Ardy volunteered for the Right to Life organization and was very proud of her work with them, also volunteering for other various Christian organizations and churches.
Ardyth was a woman of strong faith, and was a member of the Holy Life Tabernacle in Brookings. Her love for family and friends was immense, she had very good friends with friendships that spanned decades.
Throughout her life, Ardyth had many hobbies that she greatly enjoyed. She was an avid quilter, crocheting, china painting and was passionate about putting a garden in every spring and had done so until her admission to the nursing home. Ardy was also was a soft touch for homeless cats, hungry squirrels and birds. Ardy saved many and gave a good home to several cats.
Ardyth particularly enjoyed the time that she was able to spend with her children, Lynne and Gary, favorite son-in-law Laverne, Bud & Lou, as well as grandchildren and friends. Ardyth was quick-witted, strong-willed, and possessed a wonderful gift of sarcasm that will not soon be forgotten.
Ardyth is survived by her children: Lynne (Laverne) Jerred, and Gary (Anne) Nielson; grandchildren: Shannon Jerred, Stacey Jerred, Shianne (Darren) Ovall, and Jeff Jerred; great-grandchildren MaKenzie, Kayla, Chase, Kylie, Olivia, and Karsyn; a special sister-in-law LaVonne Plymate; and nephew and niece Kim (Karen) Plymate, and Karla Plymate LaVigne, along with their children.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Willard (Doc) and Alma Plymate; brothers Eldon and Arden (Bud) Plymate; sister-in-law Mabel Plymate; and nephew Bradley Plymate.
