WORTH REMEMBERING!Ardyce Freeman

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WORTH REMEMBERING

ARDYCE HOWELL FREEMAN

About 450.  That's the number of students that Ardyce's family estimates she taught during her career.  Some were in Beatrice, early on, but most were in Table Rock.  Kindergarten students, including two little girls who eventually became treasured daughters-in-law.  To all but those two little girls, she is still "Mrs. Freeman."  

Ardyce not only taught, she also did the grade school music program.  At Christmas, we lined up on risers and sang songs like, "I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas, Mommy and Daddy are mad...."  Otherwise, we lined up and sang songs like, "Does your chewing gum lose it's flavor on the bed post every night...."  

thoughts by paige freeman rogge

Two years after the death of her dearly beloved grandma Ardyce, Paige had processed some of her thoughts about the trauma of loss.  She wrote a poignant essay about it, far beyond her years in the maturity it displays, and well worth sharing:

I have been wanting to write you all for a few weeks now on something that is very personal to me. I realize it is very lengthy, but I felt the need to share. And yes, I know it is almost 3am - this has taken me over 3 hours to write! I only wrote this in hopes to help someone who is struggling, just as I was.

As most of you know, my dear grandma Ardyce left this life here on earth to start her new life in Heaven. If you knew my grandma, you knew she was a lady full of love with a positive outlook on life. She was truly a ray of sunshine. She left this earth due to an illness that takes the lives of many, including my grandpa - Cancer.

My grandma had become more sick over the last year or so, but I'll never forget the one night in November that we sent her to the hospital. She never greeted me at the door when I got to her apartment or even said hi with a smile. She was laying in bed, another odd thing for her! With tears rolling down her face, she yelled, "I just want to die, I've prayed for God to take me! Please pray that He will just take me!"

That was the most painful moment I have ever experienced with my grandma. I had never seen her like that before so I was filled with many different emotions, confused as well because that was not like her.

After we arrived in the ER, X-rays were taken. We found out that her cancer had more than likely spread to her bones. Basically, all I kept hearing was "This is it." Not literally did I hear this out of her doctor's mouth, but I knew what bone cancer meant.

That was the night before Thanksgiving. A day where you are suppose to be thankful for all that you have, all that God has blessed you with. Reality had finally set in for me and all I could do was be mad at God. All I could selfishly think of was, "My grandma is really dying. Why is this happening?"

My grandma was one of the strongest believers in Christ that I have ever had the chance of knowing. I had never ONCE worried about where she would go once her life here on earth had ended. I think I speak for my entire family when I say that. We all knew she was going to Heaven. Although this was comforting for me, I was still angry with God. I didn't want her to leave.

As the weeks went on, I never knew when my visit with her would be my last. So, I treasured every story, every smile, and every laugh just a little bit more. But also, I treasured things I had needed to hear all along. Things I consider now as true testimonies from her.

I remember a visit with my grandma a few days after we had been notified about the bone cancer. She began to talk about death. As much as it hurt me at the time, I listened, carefully.

She said to me, "You know, I am not afraid to die. I believe that I know where I am going. I believe in God, I always have. Another thing is, what do I have to lose by believing in God and believing that I will go to Heaven? I have had nothing to lose. But - I feel sorry for those who don't believe - they are the ones who will miss out."

And she was right, as Christians: What do we have to lose by believing in God, believing His one and only Son came to this earth to die on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins so that we have the chance to spend eternity, in Heaven, someday? We have nothing to lose. Those who do not believe, I agree with her - they are the ones missing out.

She was always so positive. But I just couldn't understand, "How is she so positive about dying? And why? Isn't she a little scared?" It was just mind boggling to me.

Before long, grandma's month became weeks, and her weeks became days. Her days; hours.

I was able to say goodbye to my grandma a few days before she went to be with the Lord. I got one more kiss, one more hug, and one more "I love you, sweetie." from her. She smiled and waved as we walked out the door that night. That was the very last time I saw my grandma.

The next day, we celebrated our first Freeman Christmas Eve without her being there as she was in the nursing home, mostly unresponsive. I couldn't stop thinking about her and wishing she was there.

The following day, Christmas morning had come and gone when we were notified she would not be here on earth much longer. Early in the morning of December 26th, my grandma died. Saddened to hear that she had passed on from this life, I cried. But I was also able to smile knowing that my grandma had finally met Jesus and she is where she belongs - in Heaven.

But to be completely honest, I was still not fully okay with this. I was so sad. I missed my grandma, and selfishly, I still didn't want her to leave.

It wasn't until a video that Sharla Sitzman Cerra had posted that I heard two of the most treasured things I can hold onto from my grandma. Testimonies, I should say.

(Part one): She had said there were people who have asked her, "Why does God take the good ones and leave the crumbs?" She replied with, "Because He's still working on them."

I needed to hear this. I believe we were all put on this earth for a reason. Everything that has happened in our lives has had a reasoning behind it, good or bad; believe it or not. Whether we are given an obstacle to learn from it, or teach someone else a lesson about life. God works on your life every day, as long as you welcome Him. Why am I still here on this earth at this very moment? God is still working on my life and He is working within me. There are jobs here on earth I have yet to do - and when my time comes, He will take me home. That is when my work has been done. This goes for all of us! But until then, what do I feel that I should do? I SHOULD work for THE LORD.

My grandma finished her work here on earth. As will the rest of us, someday.

Also in the video, she had mentioned this - which I consider (Part two): She said, "People have asked me, Why do you think you are lasting so long? And I said, Well, maybe God still has a testimony for me. You don't know who I'm going to touch."

So this is what I am really leaving you with:

Throughout this entire experience, I found myself being negative, a lot. Mad at God, which I knew wasn't right. But what I had come to realize was that God had really been working on me. More than usual! Each day, I somehow found that I became more okay with letting her go. I did not understand why. How was that possible? How did I go from being mad at God to being okay with Him taking my grandma as one of His angels? It's because I was learning to trust Him MORE. I found out why my grandma was so positive near her final days - it was because she had always trusted God to take care of her. This is what I have needed to do more of - and I am starting to do so!

God has been opening my heart more and more to allow Him to live in more of me. I found myself welcoming Him more with each rough day, as I still find myself doing. Relying on Him for His guidance and understanding throughout all of this made for an easier adjustment. I will admit that in my heart, I have felt sadness. I still wish she could be here with us. That is normal. And I will not lie to you and say that the days have been easy, because they haven't been and some days still won't be - but I promise you that they have been EASIER. Knowing and truly believing that I can fully rely on someone who will do anything for me or help me with anything? That's what I am really thankful for. And I'm glad the person I choose to rely on is God. Because without Him, I know I would be nothing.

The most important thing that I found myself doing towards the end of my grandma's life was not asking WHY or HOW but instead thanking God for being there for me and thanking Him for all of the days I was blessed to have my grandma enrich my life. There was a reasoning behind this rough time in my life. It was to test my true faith in Christ. I have always been a believer and follower of Christ, but now I feel that my faith in Him and my relationship with Him is much stronger than before.

My grandma started in my life by teaching me so many different things - like playing the piano, along with all there was to know and do in Kindergarten. She ended her life by teaching me so much more than she could ever imagine she would.

​This left me to truly realize that each day is a gift from God, not a given. If you are struggling through life, hand it over to God and TRUST IN HIM. And --- another thing, if you have a testimony to share, share it. I remember hearing someone once say - something along the lines of, "You don't know who you are going to touch."

january 2015 tributes

Bob Blecha

This picture was taken circa 1941 or 1942 at District 51, Allison school. The teacher is Mabel Welch (Miller) Pupils l-r Emil Kozak, Robert Blecha, Marjorie Epely, Ronald Blecha and Ardyce Howell. I remember singing many a duet with Ardyce. Rest in Peace dear friend and class mate.

Kathy Fritch

Ardyce was truly a CLASS ACT , she laid the first building blocks to the foundations of who we all are today. She will be missed.

Terri jo vrtiska

Ardyce Freeman was "my remarkable kindergarten teacher. I was part of her first 10-student class in 1966-1967. Such a wonderful woman who helped so many children make an easy transition on what was often the first day away from their parents. I will always cherish memories of her easy smile, enthusiasm, creativity, kindness and beautiful voice. Thank you Mrs. Freeman, we will miss you - you will never be forgotten."

Shannon Vrtiska

She was such an inspiration as a teacher and I remember very vividly all the Christmas programs she conducted and the outfits she made us wear Ha Ha. It was a treat to be a student of Mrs Freeman (Ardyce). She made such an impact on young children's lives. My condolences, she will be missed by many.....

Kim Vrtiska

"Most of us end up with no more than five or six people who remember us. Teachers have thousands of people who remember them for the rest of their lives....... D. Rather " 

Ardyce not only gave us an education but taught us love, generosity, good manners and sometimes poked us with a sharp stick called "truth". 

Ardyce, you will be missed by all those whose lives you touched and ears you pulled.

Sput Moser Turnbull

Ardyce and I laughed more than once about the ear pulling...perhaps one of the Beckman boys in particular. Does anyone remember? I think he told her that one ears hangs lower than the other.

I think it's safe to say, if you ever met Ardyce, you will remember her...with very warm thoughts.

And MUSIC....oh how she loved music. and her children and her daughters in law...and her grandchildren. We spent a lot of time together the last five years. I wish I could/would have recorded some of the stories. SHE WILL BE MISSED.

Sandy Wenzbauer 

She was a wonderful person with a great big heart. Mrs. Freeman has touched many hearts. 

Myself and both of my boys were blessed to have her as our kindergarten teacher.

Thank you Mrs. Freeman for so many memories that you are part of.

Stan Sitzman

Yes we will remember you always Mrs Freeman! You touched so many of us, getting us ready for life beginning with Kindergarten and continuing to teach us about goodness always. We will miss you and think of you with warm thoughts always.

Stacy Fankhauser 

For the Dick and Jane books, the trips to farms all 12 of us in your car! The over abundance of children books in your library that stuck every which way in a orderly manner.

For the "Squeeky the Mouse" " Phonics the Elf", and all the sock puppets,

The plaster birthday cake, the CLOSET that was overfilled with all kinds of educational goodies (and time out!)... Boys knew that closet the most! 

The music programs!! Oh the music programs.... here comes Susie snowflake  and handmade costumes!

The recess bell, the piano, the naps, 

Thank you, Mrs. Freeman, for all of my sweet memories! God bless you.

Your kindergarten student 

Stacy Hunzeker

Dan Rowlison -

One of my earliest memories was at the dedication of the (then new) Senior Center in Table Rock. The speaker for the dedication was late ... TWO HOURS LATE!!!!!!!!! 

Ardyce sat down at the piano and began to play and sing hymns, songs, literally anything and everything that the senior citizens requested. 

They had a great time and were disappointed when it ended (the speaker finally showed up.) I don't think the speaker felt very appreciated but he had no idea what he had interrupted! 

Kay Laun

She touched many lives

Judi Jirovsky 

She was a wonderful lady and shared a couple of things with me a couple of months ago that meant so much to me.  Forever in our hearts. 

Vicki Bursovsky

She was a dear lady who has touched so many youngsters (old and young) in her life.

Katie Mezger Dietz

Ardyce "was an amazing woman that I learned so much from. She always had a smile and was excited to see you!"

Jody tomek jorgensen

I think so many of us have fond memories of Ardyce. What a heart, full of love.

Suzanne Thiner

She was an amazing woman and we loved having her as a neighbor, babysitter, and just an wonderful soul to know all those years. 

Jessi Bursovsky

She was such a special woman and a gramma and teacher to us all!  She will be greatly missed.

Gloria Joy

Ardyce sang at both of my Grandparents funerals and many other friends and family. She will be missed and you have gained a Beautiful Guardian Angel to watch over all your families. 

Tracey Matt

I will always have fond memories of her playing the piano at church when I was little and as my Kindergarten teacher. Believe it or not, I can remember sitting in her classroom singing songs!

Kindergarten class of 1986. Thanks to Kim Vrtiska for the photo. Photo 613.

Kindergarten class of 1993-94 (Photo 616). Thanks to Tanya Schuetz for the photo.

Tribute From Paige Freeman

Granddaughter Paige Freeman set down a tribute on her Facebook page.  

I imagine what every day in Heaven is like, but today, I imagine it to be even more beautiful than ever before. This morning, Heaven gained one of the most genuine souls I've ever had the chance to share my 20 years of life with - my Grandma Ardyce.  My heart breaks knowing I won't ever hear a "I love you too, sweetie!" or a "Hi, petunia!" from her again but I am comforted knowing that her cancer is gone and she is right where she has wanted to be since Grandpa Rob has left. 

Grandma had always told me that she loved what I wrote for Grandpa after he passed away. I knew I couldn't let her down so I wrote this one for her. I hope to be able to read this at her funeral - she said that was something she would want. 

---

This morning, you spread your wings to fly. Jesus and Grandpa Rob welcomed you as they met you in the sky. 

You knew right where you were once you saw those two. Jesus spoke to you and said, "Welcome, Ardyce. We are so glad to finally have you."

They both held your hand as you walked into Heaven's gate. Once you made it in, they lead you to such a special place. A place that you had remembered and thought you knew so well. 

This place looked just like a school house, dressed in sparkling gold. Jesus said, "Ardyce, I told Rob that Heaven needed another kindergarten teacher so he lead me straight to you!" 

He continued, "We needed someone who would teach the kids with passion and be able to play a piano tune. Your singing sounded so beautiful on earth - Great! We have another singer, too! Your life on earth has ended, Ardyce, and now you will start brand new. The life you've always looked forward to - spending it forever with Me, Rob, and My Father, too."

Grandpa said, "Let me show you around, Ardyce, I've been just about everywhere by now. Now, we are together again. We are home, forever - safe and sound."

I know now that Heaven has two of the most beautiful souls together again - making it an even better place. But what I know for sure is that there won't ever be two people like you here on earth, who could ever take your place. 

I love and will miss you so much, Grandma Ardyce, but I know you will be okay. I will see you when you welcome me into Heaven with Grandpa and Jesus, someday. 

Paige's post is at: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10153506259906632&set=a.232342751631.179283.625951631&&theater

Joy Robison. 

She was an unforgettable person.

Daa Marie 

One of my favorite teachers when I first moved back to Nebraska :'-( may she RIP

Ginny Kent Christiansen 

Lots of great memories she gave us all.

Chris Rowlison

Ardyce Freeman was one of the most encouraging, uplifting people I've ever known, she taught people to be better she corrected them gently when it was needed. She was always smiling.. there are countless people that are better because of her and she will be missed by many many people

Kindergarten Class of 1982

Kindergarten 1966-67 (Photo 612). Thanks to Terri Jo Vrtiska for the photo.

Kindergarten class, 1979 (Photo 612). Thanks to Janice Parks Perdew for the photo.

Ardyce on the Volleyball team

1941 or 1942. District 51, Allison school. Ardyce (far right) with teacher Mabel Welch (Miller) and classmates Emil Kozak, Robert Blecha, Marjorie Epely, and Ronald Blecha. Thanks to Bob Blecha for this photo.

 

December 2014, describing her grandpa singing "Lilly of the Valley"