Ardith Jean (Mertes) Harris enrolled at Iowa Western Community College and earned her degree in Business Administration.

Once all the children were flown, Ardith worked in many places including WesTel Systems, Arizona State University, Greyhound, Iowa Title, American Abstract & Title, Contract Land Staff, and Next Era Energy.

As she was ready and able to retire she did an about-face and accepted her dream job as a Right of Way Title Agent in Oil & Gas Pipelines and Wind Transmission industries, traveling the US.

Ardith is survived by her daughters and their husbands. She is also survived by two brothers and one sister and by many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her uncle and her brother-in-law. 

Ardith was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd, her son, her daughter, a grandson, and a great grandson. Also preceding her in death were her sister, her parents Frederick and Viola Mertes, and her parents-in-law Earl and Elma Harris.

Funeral services were held on January 5, 2023. 

Memorials may be directed to the Harris Family in memory of Ardith. They will be designated to many of her favorite local charities and organizations and may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home P.O. Box 523, Atlantic, IA 50022. Condolences may be left at www. schmidtfamilyfh.com. Funeral arrangements are handled with the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Anita, IA.