Ardith Klein
Ardith Klein was a woman of faith who cherished her family and loved ones.
It is with a mix of deep sorrow and resurrection joy that we announce the passing of Ardith Moberly Klein, faithful wife, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, who left us peacefully Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, at 8:45 a.m. at the age of 92.
Ardith was born Jan. 29, 1932, in Spokane, Wash., to Melissa and John Moberly. She attended Whitworth College, graduating with a teaching degree in physical education. While singing in the choir, Ardith met the love of her life, Richard Klein. They married July 3, 1954.
Ardith began her life as a mom and pastor's wife soon after they were married. Ardith was a perfect complement to Richard with a lot of spunk and a genuine love for the Lord and for His people. They served Washington Presbyterian churches in Seattle, Entiat, Walla Walla and Ephrata as well as ministries in El Cajon, Calif.; Weiser, Idaho, and Wendell, Idaho.
Ardith had a fun-loving and goofy side that endeared people to her. She was the life of the party and so got the nickname “Party Ardie.” She had a knack for hospitality and welcomed many people into her home and heart.
Ardith loved to sing in church choirs, and she headed up a number of children's choirs. She always showed and spoke of her love for her family.
Ardith was an avid angler. All her life she enjoyed the thrill of being outdoors and reeling in the big ones! She was playful, kind, generous, selfless, and a radiant, beautiful follower of Jesus Christ. Ardith was a prayer warrior who devoted her time to praying for her family and friends. She loved to connect with people and to play “matchmaker,” putting couples together. Ardith loved to study and teach the word of God. In her years in Wendell she enjoyed visiting the widows and shut-ins, bringing them encouragement and laughter. She loved a good game of cribbage or wham-O. She even tried her hand at preaching in the Wilson Creek Church in her retirement years.
Even as dementia was taking her away, she would tease and have fun with her caregivers. Ardith leaves a huge crater in our hearts that will never be filled. We will continue her legacy of joy and warmth as we live out our lives.
Ardith is survived by her adoring husband of 70 years, Richard Klein, her three beloved children, James Klein, Steven Klein and Mary Ekblad, twelve grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren.
A celebration of Ardith's life will be held Friday, Nov. 29, at 10 a.m. at Redeemer Church, 400 E. Grace Street Medical Lake WA. Richard Klein’s address is 14019 S Wesley St. Medical Lake, WA 99022.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Beautiful Gate Ministries P.O. Box 515, Deer Park, WA 99006, a ministry within the family that trains pastors in Africa, and was dear to her heart.