Ardene Caroline Paulsen Ballantine's Obituary
Ardene Caroline Paulsen Ballantine died peacefully at Hope Hospice on January 3, 2023.
She was born at the Paulsen family farm on December 23, 1933, in Schleswig, Iowa. After she graduated from high school, she worked as a secretary for the school board in Denison, Iowa. She met Marvin Ballantine in Denison. They were married on August 8, 1952. Daughter Deborah was born there, and they moved to Fort Myers, Florida in October 1960. Daughter Barbara was born after their move to Florida.
Ardene began her accounting career as bookkeeper for Ballantine Masonry, Inc. She also volunteered at Fort Myers Community Hospital. She continued her accounting career, working for MAC Pump; Holcher, Taylor, Zink & Metheny; Hagen Palen & Co., CPAs, PA; and retired at the age of 80 after working for Dana Vidussi, CPA, PA. Before and after her retirement, she served as treasurer of Park Woods Condominium Phase IV HOA where she lived from 1979-2018. She was a long-time member of St. Michael Lutheran Church where she served on the Altar Guild.
Ardene spent countless hours cultivating beautiful African violets and orchid plants. She found time to participate in league bowling and won trophies for her perfect games. She enjoyed reading, collecting books and playing cards. Watching sports on TV was a favorite pastime, especially college and NFL football, and golf. Ardene followed son-in-law Darin’s football career at the University of Miami, and watched grandson Sean’s alma mater, the UCF Knights. She attended many of grandson Matt’s football games at Bishop Verot High School and Ave Maria University.
Ardene is survived by her loving daughters Deborah Helton (Gary) and Barbara McMurray (Darin), grandsons Sean Helton (Julie) and Matthew McMurray, niece Karla Cose (Gordon), nephew Bruce (Cindi) Paulsen and niece Lynette Tiefenthaler (Steve), their families, and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her twin sisters Vera and Veda, parents Caroline and Albert Paulsen, brother Eldo Paulsen and sister-in-law Carol.
Ardene had a wonderful sense of humor and quick wit. She was a stubborn German through and through and taught her daughters a strong work ethic. Ardene loved her family dearly and will be sadly missed.
The family has entrusted Fort Myers Memorial Gardens with final arrangements. There will be a Memorial Service on Friday, January 20th at 10:00am.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:
St. Michael Lutheran Church
3595 Broadway Circle
Fort Myers, FL 33901
or
Hope Hospice
2430 Diplomat Parkway East
Cape Coral, FL 33909
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