Ardis L. Hayes, 95, of Ogden, Arkansas, formerly of Bradford, passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord on July 7, 2025, surrounded by the thoughts and prayers of those who loved her most.
Born in Bradford, Pennsylvania, on March 8, 1930, to Marian and Harold Foster, Ardis carried a lifelong devotion to faith, family, and quiet acts of kindness. In Bradford she met John “Bud” Hayes. Both were born in the same hospital just three days apart from each other, and together they shared 34 years of marriage. Their greatest joy was raising their four children: Mila, Robert “Bob,” Edward “Ed,” and Patricia “Patti.” After the family moved to Richardson, Texas, Ardis created a welcoming home where her children completed grade school and countless friends found warmth.
A member of Providence Baptist Fellowship, Ardis loved studying her Bible, offering a listening ear, and always demonstrating Christ-like compassion. She could often be found knitting or crocheting gifts, playing card games, or chatting on the back porch with anyone who stopped by. Friends and neighbors knew they could stop in unannounced, confident they would leave with a listening ear, a Scripture verse, and perhaps one of her famous freshly baked muffins or a slice of pie. Her ready smile, gentle wit, and open heart left lasting impressions on all who knew her.
Ardis was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bud; her sister, Gloria Martin; and her grandson, Atticus Neaves. She is survived by her four children and their spouses; 14 grandchildren and their spouses; and 21 great-grandchildren. Though “Gramma” will be deeply missed, her family takes comfort in knowing she now rejoices on streets of gold in the presence of our Lord.
A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025, at Shiloh Cemetery in Texarkana, Arkansas. Immediately afterward, friends and family are invited to gather at Providence Baptist Fellowship. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Providence Baptist Fellowship, or donating Bibles to Gideons International in Ardis’s memory. Services are under the direction of A O Smith Funeral Home, Stamps, Arkansas.
Galatians 2:20 - “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.