Ardeth Marie Worthey Cardwell

Early in the morning of Sept. 21, 2022, Ardeth Marie Worthey Cardwell left her place on Earth and gained her eternal reward.

“I truly enjoy looking outside early in the morning when the sun is just beginning to start a new day and see the trees and the just visible sky … knowing my family members are all well and happy … hugging my great-grandchildren and being hugged back. Knowing God is in Heaven, and all is well.”

Ardeth undoubtedly chose the early morning hour, her favorite time, after hugging each great-grandchild and knowing all her family was well, to go meet God in Heaven. 

Born April 20, 1932, to Nuel and Iola Hardcastle Worthey in San Antonio, Texas, Ardeth lived a life seeing many changes happen in the world. She first lived in Corpus Christi, Texas, regaling many stories of playing on the beach with her parents and aunt and uncle as a child. Shortly after, the family moved to a sleepy town of Elgin, where her father opened and operated the Western Auto store. During these times, she learned from her mother how to balance working with her beloved husband and running an immaculate home, all while remaining involved in every aspect of her children’s lives and schooling – all of which she so admired from her mother, Iola. 

Upon her graduation, as valedictorian from Elgin High School, came the Yamboree in town. Ardeth was required to have an escort as she was chosen to be a princess in the parade, and many of the young men had either been called to serve in the Korean War or, as she put it, were not “fit to her standards.” She was talked into truly blindly calling the new veterinarian in town and asking him to be her escort. She hesitated but obliged. Having never met, or even seen him, her intentions were to not accept another date after the first, mainly because of how arrogant he was during their first encounter. But thankfully, she changed her mind when he called, and the union between she and her “Wally,” Dr. Wallace H. Cardwell, lasted over 54 years. They were married on Sept. 14, 1952, in Elgin and resided in Elgin until her passing. 

Ardeth attended both Southwestern University and the University of Texas. Ardeth had a true love for many things, most of which ended by blessing someone else in her acts of love. She was a master quilter, and the number of quilts she completed is surely in the thousands. Each quilt she made, she made with love and perfection, many with a poem she wrote sewn in to memorialize the moment. Ardeth loved baking and hosting parties, holidays, meals and any other reason to celebrate. She made Christmas the most joyous time to everyone she knew with her decorations, Santa cookies for school, fresh breads, gifts and atmosphere. Her love of travel took her family, friends and Dr. Cardwell on many adventures, cruises, and visiting international and domestic sites that few get the opportunity to see and experience in their lifetime. 

Ardeth and Dr. Cardwell passed on their life legacy in the way of two children they loved and cherished, Brenda Gale Cardwell and Bradley Clayton Cardwell. Her life was further blessed with the addition of grandchildren, Zachary Cardwell Voelker, Hailey Elizabeth (Voelker) Robinson, Hillary Marie Voelker, Cody Mackenzie Cardwell and Faith Desiree Cardwell. The love she showed her grandchildren through the years was immeasurable and a testament to her giving and servant’s heart. This was further amplified with the birth of her great-grandchildren, Caleb Kvamme, Lola Kvamme, Mack Robinson, Natali Cardwell and Wyatt Cardwell. 

Ardeth is preceded in death and joined in heaven by her parents, Nuel Preston and Iola Hardcastle Worthey; parents-in-law, Richard Mackenzie and Lula Tucker Cardwell; brother, Richard Worthey; brother-in-law, Clyde Luetge; sister and brother-in-law, Faye and Milton Brown; and the love of her life, Dr. Wallace H. Cardwell, whom she was so excited to see again. 

Ardeth is survived by her loving family, children, Brenda Cardwell, Bradley Cardwell, and wife, Melodie; grandchildren, Zachary Voelker, Hailey Robinson (Tyler), Hillary Voelker, Cody Cardwell (Jazmin) and Faith Cardwell; and great-grandchildren, Caleb Kvamme, Lola Kvamme, Mack Robinson, Natali Cardwell and Wyatt Cardwell. She is also survived by family, Shirley Luetge, Bill and Veronica Cardwell, and Lois Worthey. 

Ardeth said it best, “My life has turned out to be so very much better than I could ever imagine. I was blessed with excellent parents and a happy home life. I was privileged to marry the only man in the world for me and enjoy our life together. I could never have hoped for a more wonderfully blessed and happy life. I have been given more advantages and happiness than I could have ever imagined!”

The family would like to extend our most sincere gratitude to her caregivers and medical team that showed her such tender love and devotion in her final times. Thank you to Natalie Irwin and all of Three Oaks Hospice. To Josie Paiz, Tina Reyna, Melissa Ortega, Janie Diaz and Candace Messer – our words of thanks would never be sufficient to convey our appreciation.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Cattlemen for Cancer Research, First United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice. 

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 15, at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Elgin. A reception will follow for those who wish to join at the Elgin Breeding Service Visitor Center.

Arrangements entrusted to Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home.