Our dear Mother, Ardyce Irene (Smith) Bick passed from this life on March 6, 2025 at the age of 95 in Kearney, NE. She was known for her unwavering kindness, generosity and vibrant spirit, which touched the lives of all that knew her. She is gone, but will never be forgotten and was ready to meet her Lord and Savior Jesus.

Ardyce was born July 15, 1929 in Farnam, NE to Raymond and Doris Smith. She was raised on a farm south of town, where she milked cows and did chores. She attended country school, prior to graduating from Farnam High School. Her Grandmother Fitch was in the first graduating class, where she was a third-generation alum. She attended Kearney State College, before teaching at country schools in the Farnam/Gothenburg area for four years. During those summers, she would be found working at Peterson’s Locker wrapping meat or in Hastings, NE at Brachs Department Store.

On February 10, 1952, Ardyce married Harold Byron Bick at the Farnam Methodist Church. They made their first home together in Manhattan, KS, where Harold was stationed while in the US Army. This also provided somewhat of a family reunion, as her sister Beryl and husband Bill Banks were also there. Shortly thereafter, Harold was shipped to Korea due to the war. Ardyce returned home to Farnam, until she was joyfully reunited with Harold. Upon his return, they moved to the Bick home place, southwest of Farnam. There, they farmed and raised four daughters. She was Harold’s #1 farm hand and raised a huge garden, that she would share with family and friends.

Ardyce was very active in the Farnam community. She was a member of the Farnam Methodist Church her entire life, where she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She also served on the Church Board, was active in the United Methodist Women’s Society, and sang in the choir. Beyond her church activities, she belonged to the HOP Extension Club, Nebraska Farm Bureau, 4H and was active at the Farnam Senior Center.

She was preceded in death by her parents (Raymond and Doris Smith), husband (Harold Bick), sister (Beryl Banks), brother-in-law/sister-in-law (Keith and Delphine Anthony), son-in law (Dallas Cobb), grandson (Mike Kindsfater) and nephew (Rodney Banks). She is survived by her 4 daughters, Marianne (Gil) Kindsfater, Diane Cobb, Susan Dekker, and Karla (John) Lemon. She also is survived by her grandchildren, Monica Kindsfater, Melanie (Dale) Kindt, Molly (Matt) Johnson Toscano, Julie (Greg) Swanson, Jason (Jodi) Cobb, Kendra Cobb, Eileen (Matt) Lam, Janelle (Alex Sayed) Dekker, Christopher (Carly) Dekker, David Dekker, Andrew (Emily) Lemon, Tommy (Olivia) Lemon and Jenny Lemon. Additionally, she had fifteen great grandchildren, one of which was born the day of her passing!

Ardyce loved Farnam. It is a small, friendly community where everyone helps and looks out for one another. A lifetime of friendships and memories were formed, which comforted her at the end. Ardyce will be deeply missed by all who loved her, but her legacy of kindness and love will live on in the hearts of those she touched.

Visitation will be held Monday, March 10, 2025, at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, from 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm with the family present from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am, Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the Farnam Methodist Church, 303 Caribou St., Farnam, Nebraska with Pastor Elmo Hermann officiating.

Burial will follow in the Farnam Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Farnam Methodist Church, the Farnam Senior Center or the Farnam Fire Department

Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel