Ardith Joan Stark

Ardith departed this world in Bellingham, WA on May 8, 2023. She was born in Centralia, WA to Elmer and Vivian (Garber) Doty on January 20, 1941 and was the third of four children.
Ardith attended Edmonds High School where she played French Horn in the marching band. She graduated in 1959 and went on to earn a degree in Home Economics from Western Washington University in 1963. During her time at Western, she met Richard “Dick” Stark, and they were married on August 11, 1962. Ardith returned to school in 1981 and earned her LPN degree from Bellingham Technical College. She later worked at St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham and at the ENT practice of Barnhart and Newell.
Ardith and Dick were married a few weeks short of 60 years, and enjoyed spending time with their children, family reunions, boating in the San Juan Islands, and travelling to Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, and Palm Springs.
Ardith was a dedicated homemaker and mother. She loved to cook, bake and garden, and canned everything from applesauce to pickles, green beans and summer corn. She was a skilled seamstress, who loved knitting, crocheting, embroidery, quilting, and needlepoint, all of which she often donated to friends or those in need. She was selfless. You would often see Ardith sitting in the stands of the ball games when Dick was broadcasting, knitting away like there was no tomorrow.
During the 1970’s, Ardith was very active in her church, St. James Presbyterian, and later Cordata Presbyterian, where she started a ladies quilting group called The Piece Makers. She also enjoyed volunteering in the kitchen, preparing banquet meals for large groups of church goers. Ardith was actively
involved in the Bellingham Bluebirds and Camp Fire Girls organizations.
Mom’s sense of humor, lighthearted banter, and positive attitude were the essence of her being. She radiated love and light, and will be dearly missed. Her light will shine on in those she touched.
Ardith was preceded in death by the love of her life, Dick Stark, in July, 2022.
She is survived by her children Leslie Stark of Kenmore, WA, Ward Stark of Bellingham, Renee Stark (Dave Gailus) of Bellingham, Evan Stark (Michelle Richardson) of Everett, WA, Yvonne Craig (Jedd) of Boise, ID, grandson Ethan Stark (Caitlyn Peluso) of Bellingham, and great-grandson Parker Ewan Richard Stark.
A celebration of Ardith’s life with reception following will be held on Tuesday, May 23 at 3:30pm at Cordata Presbyterian Church (formerly Birchwood Presbyterian), 400 Meadowbrook Ct. in Bellingham.