Ardis Joy Old was born in Chanute Kansas on February 6, 1933 to Chester and Ethel Old who were delighted to have a red haired baby girl. In the 8th grade, her family moved to Yates Center Kansas where Ardis was a cheerleader and she taught dance and acrobatics. Her senior year she met Lloyd Barham Jr and they married October 7, 1950 in Bentonville Arkansas. After helping put Lloyd through college at K State, they moved to Newton Kansas in 1964. In addition to raising her 4 children, Ardis received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. She went on to receive a Masters Degree in Special Education at WSU and she lacked 13 hours of obtaining her Doctorate from OU. During that time, she taught in the Oklahoma City School District to Learning Disabled and Emotionally Disturbed Children up the time of her retirement. Ardis was known for her sweet disposition and enjoyed cooking, sewing, knitting, crocheting and gardening. She enjoyed camping with her family and visiting National Parks. She also enjoyed the many camping trips to Toronto State Park with her sister Beth and family.
She was very loved by her 4 children Kenneth Barham, Laura Harrison (Toby), Arlen Barham (Carolie) and Jani Hennes (Dave).
Ardis was preceeded in death by her parents Chester and Ethel. Her brothers Forrest and Lynndel Old. Sisters Altabelle Old and Meribeth Webber. Her Husband Lloyd Barham. Daughter Laura Harrison and Granddaughter Jennifer Barham.
She was the proud Grandma of 12 Grandchildren, 14 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great-Great Grandchild.
A visitation/celebration of life will be held in her honor Sunday August 4Th from 1-5 at Petersens Family Funeral Home. A graveside burial for will be held Monday August 5th at the Yates Center Kansas Cemetery at 1 PM.
Donations may be made in her honor to Caring Hands Human Society as she dearly loved animals.