Jean Elizabeth Ardelt, age 72, a resident of Wheaton since 1957, died suddenly Saturday, April 30, 2005 at Central Du Page Hospital. She was born on June 24, 1932 in Canton, IL to Hiram and Lucille Smith.

Jean grew up in Canton until her family moved to Europe in 1946. She attended High School in Belgium and graduated from the University of Wisconsin. In 1953 she married Clarence "Bud" Ardelt. They moved to Wheaton after Bud's military service in 1957.

They joined First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton in 1958, where she served as a Sunday School Teacher, was President of UPW, and as an Elder. She also served on the Chicago Presbytery Women's Board. She was an active community volunteer and served at the Erie House in Chicago, Meals on Wheels, Carol Stream Outreach Senior Ministry, and was actively involved with the public schools during her children's education.

Jean is survived by her husband, Bud, six children, Kathryn (Allen) Boyer of NC, Thomas (Judy) Ardelt of AZ, Elizabeth (Robin) Schmuckal of Naperville, Janet Minton of Wheaton, Margaret Ardelt of Wheaton, and Cynthia (Tim) Loest of Wheaton, 12 grandchildren, and three brothers, David (Ruth) Smith, Thomas (Elaine) Smith, and George (Mickie) Smith.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 4 from 3 until 9 p.m. at the Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St. in Wheaton. A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 6 at 10 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton, Jefferson and Ellis St. in Wheaton.

Interment will be held privately at Wheaton Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed the church or the Alzheimer's Association, 4709 Golf Rd., Suite 1015, Skokie, IL 60076-1260.

Information and on-line guest book is available at hultgrenfh.com or call 630-668-0027.