Ardus H. Berkley

Ardus Helen Berkley (Aadalen), was born September 30, 1934 in Ellsworth, Wisconsin, daughter of Orval Sidney Aadalen and Hilma Mildred Aadalen (Swenson). She had two brothers, Arlie (Irma Jean) and Lindy (Judy), both deceased. Ardus moved to Heaven on December 27, 2025 at age 91.

She spent her early years between Wisconsin and Red Wing/Hastings Minnesota, and at age 12, Ardus moved with the family to Longmont, Colorado. She played cello in the school orchestra, was a Drum Majorette, and placed 3rd at the State baton twirling competition. She was very proud of that, and that skill remained with her into old age. She was heavily involved with her local Baptist Church and was president of the youth group there and served as a party planner, which she very much enjoyed, and used those skills throughout the rest of her life in ministry. She also worked at JC Penney at age 16 and after graduating high school in 1952 went to work for Rocky Mountain Telephone Company in Longmont as a board operator. 

Then in 1954 Ardus went to Bob Jones University in South Carolina, where she met Harold Clifton Berkley (deceased December 2, 2024) and they were married on December 28, 1955. During her time at Bob Jones she also worked as a cashier and after three semesters and running out of money, went to work for a construction company as a director of purchases.

After college Ardus moved to New York with Harold to work in ministry to high school students with the High School Born-Againers (Hi-BA) while also working for Olan Mills, and sold products for Stanley Products, Avon and Fuller Brush, and welcomed their first child Tim into the world. Soon after, they continued in that ministry in Pennsylvania in 1958, until moving to Fremont, Michigan where Harold became pastor at the Assemblies of God Church. They welcomed their next three children, Larry, Cheryl and Tom into the world while there.

In 1966, the family moved to Sterling Heights, Michigan where Harold began his years as associate Pastor at Beacon A/G in Detroit while working at Ford. Ardus spent her time raising the family and working at Vickers Credit Union while working with Harold in the ministry, playing the organ at Church and various other roles. In their last few years in Sterling Heights, She and Harold were ministering at Troy Assembly of God.

After 28 years in Sterling Heights, Ardus and Harold retired from their jobs in 1994, and moved up North to a house on a lake in Lake, Michigan, where they spent many more years in ministry at Clare Assembly of God after helping to start a Church plant in Remus. Ardus served alongside Harold as they lead the Christian Education Department and later the Senior ministry group and held Bible studies and Church group gatherings in their home. She also enjoyed travelling south for the winters in retirement.

One of her most important messages she leaves to us:
"Since I was in about first grade I have had the joy of knowing Jesus as my Savior, and he is a faithful friend, one who leads our lives as we allow Him to do so. I pray each of you will keep Jesus close in your hearts and trust Him to guide you through your life. May you accomplish your goals and dreams and continue to become wonderful grandchildren. Love you MUCH." - Ardus Berkley

Ardus is survived by four Children - Timothy Wayne Berkley (Judi), Lawrence Dale Berkley (Sandra), Cheryl Lynn Mckeel (Mark), and Thomas Mark Berkley.

She has 6 grandchildren, Laurelin (Berkley) Moeller (Jesse), Russel Berkley, Tiffany (Berkley) Hermann (Joey), Chloe Berkley, Cydney Mckeel, and Caemon Mckeel. 2 Great grandchildren - Calvin Moeller, John Moeller.

Family will have a private memorial at a later date.

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