Ardis Denning, a Vashon resident for many years, died on June 24th, 2023, at a care facility in Tacoma, WA.

Born October 2, 1930, in Nome, Alaska, Ardis Christine Ball was the youngest in her family. Her childhood was divided between urban Seattle, and the Alaska frontier.

She graduated from Roosevelt high school, and was introduced to her future husband by her brother. Ardis converted to the Catholic faith and married John Denning in 1949. During their marriage of 23 years they had eleven children, making her the quintessential “Boomer” mother. After her marriage she went back to school and got a job with a company associated with the Alaska pipeline in order to support her family. It was at this time in the 1970s she met her life long friend Karen Newman.

She was preceded in death by hersons Paul and Ronnie and her husband John and all his wives. She is survived by her children, Michael, Marion, Hugh, Peter, Claire, Mark, Ian, Alex (Donald), Ruth (Ardis). She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren. She will be missed greatly by members of her children, the Newman family, friends, and associates too numerous to mention.

A funeral at Saint John Vianney Catholic Church took place on Saturday, July 1st, 2023, at 12:00 noon with a celebration of her life following at the family home in Burton. She was buried in Vashon Cemetery next to her mother and brother.