Ardella Maxine Drudge, 95 of Tekonsha passed away Thursday, October 8, 2020 at Promedica Coldwater Regional Hospital.
In following her wishes, cremation has taken place. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the family will have a memorial service at the Tekonsha Union Church of Christ at a later date. The family was cared for by Dutcher Funeral Home.
Ardella was born October 18, 1924 to Owen and Gladys (Disbrow) Burdick in Kinderhook. On December 21, 1947 she married the love of her life, James Drudge in Kinderhook. He preceded her in death on May 18, 2011. They created Tuff-Cat Trailer Manufacturing in which they built and sold custom-made horse trailers for 30 years. They also began J & A Appaloosa Horse Farm. Ardella competed in Appaloosa horse shows nationwide. She was an all-around equestrian. Ardella belonged to the Branch County Saddle Club, Michigan Appaloosa Horse Association, and the Michigan Harness Horseman’s Association. Jim and Ardella began training, paddocking, and racing Standardbred horses in 1975. They raced their horses at tracks across the Midwest for several decades. Ardella’s passion for horses lives on in her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Ardella was a devout Christian. She was a long-time member of the Tekonsha Union Church of Christ where she was the treasurer and served in many other capacities. Ardella was very active in the church until her health prevented her attendance. She also was a very good bowler, being part of the Woman’s League in Coldwater for many years. Ardella loved to sit in the sunshine and read. She never forgot to enjoy the little things in life. Ardella always put the needs of her family before her own as they were her true joy in life, especially her grand and great grandchildren. She will be remembered for her kind, loving, and optimistic outlook on life.
Mrs. Drudge is survived by her children Penelope “Penny” (Anthony) Morgan of Warwick, MD and Owen (Helen Klemchuk) Drudge of Fairfax, VT; her sister Barbara (Andre) Schirk of Coldwater; her grandchildren Joseph Lopez, Justine Lopez, Dillyn Klemchuk, and Tasseli McKay; her great grandchildren Nathan Rose, Kassandra Lopez, and Kyan McKay; her sister-in-law’s Lois Smith, Mary Anna Sprong, and Janie (Jr) Stutzman. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 63 years, James Drudge; her brother Clay Burdick; and her sisters Joanne Burdick, Freida Murdock, and Betty McDonald.
Memorials may be directed to Tekonsha Fire & Rescue.
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