Ardis Yost Obituary (1931

Ardis Grace Mullen Yost left this life on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at the Webster County Community Hospital in Red Cloud, Nebraska, at age 92. She was a longtime teacher and an integral part of activities in our community. Ardis was a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, teacher, welcomer, 4-H leader, and hostess extraordinaire; maker of homemade ice cream, pineapple cookies, chocolate sheet cake, pies and bounteous meals; "neighborhood Mom", confidant, den mother, scout leader, song writer, FarmHouse Fraternity Auxiliary president, workshop presenter, sister, aunt, cousin, event planner, singer at weddings and funerals, community advocate, Mother Advisor and board member of Rainbow for Girls; one of five finalists for Nebraska Teacher of the Year; member of the library and hospital foundation boards, Webster County Teachers' Association, Republican Valley Arts Council, Community Center building committee, woman's club, congressional education advisory committee, rural school association, Eastern Star, adult church choir, chamber of commerce, American Legion Auxiliary, Red Cloud softball team, and United Methodist Women; director of the Methodist cherub choir, junior choir and men's choir; Outstanding Women of America honoree, local winner and district first runner-up in Mrs. America Contest; among many other activities. Ardis Grace Mullen was the fourth child born to Howard and Grace (Parker) Mullen on December 20, 1931, at the family farmstead just south and east of North Branch, Kansas. She was greeted by siblings Rosalie, Hazel Dean, and Max. Also joining the family in 1937 was a baby sister, Violet June, who died at birth. As an infant, Ardis's spiritual upbringing began at the Quaker Friends Church in North Branch. She started her education at the neighborhood rural school in Jewell County, but the family lost their farm in the Great Depression. In 1939 the family moved a short distance to Smith County and rented a farm known as the Forgey Place. They then moved just west to the Nyberg Place which they later purchased. Ardis attended school at Crow Hill District 133, and church and Sunday school at Mount Hope Methodist Church west of their home. After eighth grade graduation from Crow Hill in 1945, she went on to attend Lebanon High School where she participated in many activities and graduated in 1949. Armed with a high school diploma and a four-year vocal scholarship to Kansas Wesleyan University, Ardis was ready to go out and conquer the world! Anxious to begin her future, she enrolled in summer school and away she went. Unfortunately, her perception of what college was to be and what it was were universes apart. Much to her amazement, most of the student population was comprised of elderly school marms whose "let loose" fashion statement for the summer appeared to involve ditching their teacher-shoes for white tennies. Knowing this wasn't close to what she signed up for, homesickness magnified her confusion. She began searching for a way out. Her prayers were answered when she begged for a ride home after spotting a Red Cloud trucker and family friend, Red Spencer. He soon realized her desperate state and allowed her to hop in. However, once they reached her parents at the family farm, Ardis was shocked that the sentiments of the understanding trucker were not shared by her parents! Being short of farmhands, her father had the immediate response of putting her on a tractor by 6:00 the following morning. Her mother, a second-generation teacher who was reserved but always thinking, soon had a plan. Although Ardis would have to catch up on the first three weeks already missed, arrangements were made for her to attend summer school at Hastings College. She could board in Red Cloud with the Engstroms, old farm neighbors of the family, and make the daily commute to Hastings with two well-seasoned area teachers. The caveat was that the new plan necessitated Ardis to take out a loan for $500 which she secured from a local bank. Ardis survived the remaining seven weeks of the summer session and was granted a certificate that allowed her to teach through the eighth grade. She signed a contract to teach K through 8 at Garfield District 85, south and east of Red Cloud for approximately $120 a month. So at age 17, she had her own school, students to be responsible for and five grades to prepare for. She boarded with patrons and walked the daily two mile round-trip in all kinds of weather. Even though it wasn't specifically stated in a teaching contract, it was understood that once signed, she also agreed to all janitorial duties. These included making a fire in the stove so there could be heat and lighting lamps as there was no electricity. Ardis relished the "big family" atmosphere that rural schools engendered. Along with her pupils and the patrons, she was excited when she found out that rural electrification was coming to the school. This also held an extra bonus for Ardis when she met the young dashing electrician assigned to the job - John Yost. He not only caught her eye but stole her heart as well! The following June she exchanged Miss Mullen for Mrs. Yost. She welcomed her first Mothers' Day 13 months and one day later by giving birth to her firstborn, Jake. Ardis continued to teach one last semester after the birth of their second child, Suzi. During that pregnancy road conditions created by the Nebraska weather made her daily commute from Red Cloud much more challenging. After driving the first two miles south to near the river bridge, Ardis would park her car, mount a little Ford tractor, and trek the last three miles east to the school. When you consider that she was also in charge of hauling the day's supply of fresh drinking water which she strapped to the sides of the tractor, it gave new meaning to "baby on board!" as she was pregnant once again, this time with Jerry. It was now time for her to dedicate herself to motherhood and the family businesses: first the meat section at what is now Hometown Market, followed by Yost Meat Market and Yost Pack. In just over six years of marriage and welcoming two more children, Sally and Jay, the Yost family numbered seven. When the youngest of their five was just a second grader, District 85 once again asked her to serve as their teacher. Although plenty busy with running a large active family, and involved in various community and church activities, Ardis was once again bitten by the teaching bug! The following year she was offered the primary teaching position at a two-teacher rural school, Inavale, District 6. However difficult to leave dear District 85, it was the logical choice as the commute was via paved roads and the position offered a better salary with only five grade levels to teach. Ardis's third year at Inavale was cut short by the news that a sixth child was on the way. Jeff, the bonus baby boy, arrived in May of 1968. In addition to devoting time to family and enjoying life's special moments, Ardis had decided that teaching was her chosen career. In the next few years, she completed a term at District 65, New Virginia, and continued to work towards pursuing a bachelor's degree in teaching. Although bittersweet, Ardis then taught at District 41, Pleasant Prairie. It was the last rural school in Webster County, which was the first county in Nebraska to no longer have rural schools. This milestone was marked by a May 1970 front-page article in the Wall Street Journal as emblematic of the passing of the pioneer era. Over the years, Ardis became curious about those who learn through varying modalities and methods that utilize their strengths. She continued to teach and received her bachelor's degree in special education in 1973 and her master's degree in 1979 - both from Kearney State College. For many years she taught students in Red Cloud and various schools in the area. Among the hallmarks of her teaching career were parenting classes, volunteer programs, a vocational training program, and an uncanny knack for figuring out how kids learn. In 1996, Ardis retired but continued to do substitute teaching until her 80th birthday. In 1989, John bought Ardis a 102-year-old rural school building, North Star School District 81. After major restoration and much TLC, it became a gift that continued to give to the community and to kids of all ages from all over. Because of Ardis' efforts to share the school and her knowledge of happenings associated with rural schools of the past, many have been afforded that eye-opening experience. The school has also been an integral part of Heritage Day activities held at Yost Farm. Ardis' life was one of service to her community, as she wrote, directed, and orchestrated more than 80 programs, was involved in various civic projects, and was dedicated to showcasing the youth and veterans. Many of the programs marked milestones of the community and brought community members together for a common cause. She and John were also known for hosting various parties and events at the family home and farm including some rather raucous gatherings of the Board of the Willa Cather Foundation after its annual banquet. Ardis was always game for a prank and was an admitted people person. She took tremendous pride in her family - not so much for their many accomplishments, but from how they continue to use their gifts and talents to make their various projects, especially those involving Red Cloud, better for future generations. She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Grace (Parker) Mullen, her sisters Rosalie (Mullen) Lewis and Hazel Dean (Mullen) Doyle and their spouses, Don Lewis and Charles Doyle, her brother, Max Mullen, her baby sister Violet June Mullen, and her husband, John Hobart Yost - over seven long years ago. Survivors include her six children: Jake (Gale Gervais) Yost, Suzi (Robert) Schulz, Jerry (Vicki Rogers) Yost, Sally (Dennis) Hansen, Jay (Wade Leak) Yost, and Jeff (Cindy Ryman) Yost; 12 grandchildren: Rocky Yost, Luke Yost, Bri Schulz (Bruce) Nelson, Seth (Antona Beckman) Schulz, Jeremy Yost, Joshua (Amy Skalka) Yost, Jace Yost, Matthew (Sarah Baker) Hansen, Cole (Abbey Williams) Hansen, and Elizabeth, Carter, and Harrison Yost; great-grandchildren: Kate Hansen and Grace Schulz; sister-in-law, Harriett Yost Zade, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; as well as a multitude of friends. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Ardis & John Yost Donor-Advised Fund at the Red Cloud Community Fund P.O. Box 263 Red Cloud, NE 68970 or online at https://www.nebcommfound.org/give/yostdaf/, or to the Willa Cather Foundation or to the Red Cloud First United Methodist Church. Funeral services were 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 17, at the First United Methodist Church in Red Cloud with the Rev. Dale Thiele and Rev. Warren Schoming officiating. Interment was at the Red Cloud Cemetery. . Williams Funeral Home 241 West 4th Avenue Red Cloud, Nebraska 68970 Phone 402-746-2500 williamsfuneralhomes@yahoo.com