Ardus Halker, 90, of Lexington, Nebraska, formerly of Elwood Nebraska, died Wednesday, March 28th, 2012, at Plum Creek Care Center in Lexington.

She was born August 21st, 1921, in rural Gosper County, Nebraska to Clint and Ellen (Carter) Haney.

Her elementary education was spent at Brace Country School in rural Gosper County and then Elwood High School. She was united in marriage to Leonard John Gruber in August of 1937. The couple traveled all over Nebraska as Leonard worked for the Bureau of Reclamation surveying land for the canal system.

In 1946, Leonard died in a traffic accident. Ardus then was married to Howard Halker in August of 1948 and the couple started farming. They farmed until moving to Elwood in 1983. Howard passed away in 2003 and Ardus moved to assisted living in Elwood. In 2004, she moved to Lexington and lived at Eastlawn East until moving to Plum Creek Care Center three months ago.

Ardus was a member of the Elwood United Methodist Church as well as several church circles. She was also a member of the Homebuilders Club.

She so enjoyed quilting, crossword puzzles, reading and was a wonderful cook. Her greatest joy was her large family. She always said her most wonderful memories and times were when all of her "chicks" came home. She will be very missed by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors include three sons, Larry and Elinor Gruber of Joplin, Missouri, Nelson and Lannae Halker of Lexington and Greg and Tammy Halker of Smithfield, Nebraska; four daughters, Mary Ellen Ford of Lexington, Estelline and Gene Townsend of Caldwell, Kansas, Lynnette Phillips of Lexington, Inez and Darrel Bourne of Clinton, Missouri; one daughter-in-law, Mary Gruber of Elwood; 16 grandchildren, numerous great and great-great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Ardus was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; one son, Don Gruber; three brothers, Clifford, Dale and Homer Haney; one sister, Mary Strohmyer and one son-in-law, Willard Ford.

It was Ardus's wishes that her body be cremated.

A Memorial Celebration of Life Service was held Saturday, March 31st, 2012, at 10 a.m., at the Elwood United Methodist Church with Pastor Connie Karr officiating. Inurnment was in the Elwood Cemetery at Elwood.

Memorials are suggested to the Elwood United Methodist Church or the Gosper County Senior Center in Elwood. Please forward Online condolences to the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington was in charge of arrangements.