Ardith Hinzman Obituary

| | Ardath Hinzman, of Rapid City, passed away on September 8, 2023. She was born on August 4, 1942, in Newell, South Dakota, to Walter and Florence Lyons, the youngest of six children. She was named for her dad's favorite cousin, Ardath, and shortened it to become known as Ardee. The family later moved from Newell to Rapid City. From the time she was a small child, Ardee wanted to be a teacher, and she began her career by setting up a classroom for her dolls. Her older brother wanted her to become his secretary, "Judy," but she could never remember where she filed his important papers. She resigned from his pretend business world to return to her pretend classroom. Ardee graduated from Central High School in 1960 and married Donald Hinzman. They were blessed with two daughters: Robyn and Kelle. California became their home for a few years early in the marriage, and Ardee began taking college classes to earn her degree. After a return to the Black Hills, she graduated from Black Hills State with her teaching diploma in 1975. She taught kindergarten for many years in the Rapid City School System, making friends, giving hugs, and loving all the children at the Berquist, General Beadle, Meadowbrook and Horace Mann schools. The family called her "Oma. " Her passion for life was summarized so well in a message from her honorary daughter, Bridget, who wrote: "I am joyful that our beautiful Oma lived a great life! She loved many, including God, her friends and family, and her dog, Gracie. Oma enjoyed the beauty of the Black Hills, her flower and vegetable gardens, the holiday decorations, art, books, the diversity of cultures, and being open to learning and changing. Don't forget, she also loved good looking men, thus the fresh lipstick always! Oma loved a good debate, especially about politics. She has changed the world by educating so many children over the years. Oma loved to please people through being present for them, and by cooking and baking: noodle soup, fried chicken, pies, cookies! Oma, you are now dancing with the angels. We will be watching the sunset and know that you are baking cookies and buns for all of those who have gone before you. " Ardee's faith was very strong, and she enjoyed the friendship and fellowship with Pastor and all of the congregation at Trinity Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School as well before her health declined. She also enjoyed the friendship and company of Patti and Don Mudge, and a special group of people who enjoyed many get togethers for "music appreciation," movies, and plays. She also loved her very special neighbors and the beautiful street where she lived in her beloved vintage house. She is survived by her daughters, Robin Blair, and Kelle (Marty) Cavanaugh, grandchildren Jeremy (Nga), Brandy, Jasmine, Elizabeth (Matt) and Katelyn, and great grandchildren Liam, Megan, Mason, Isadora, Avianna, Henry, Harrison, Eli, and June Willow. She is also survived by special family members Bridget Darden, Patti Poppe Mudge, and Don Mudge, and many other family members and friends who loved her. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Wallace, Larry, Darryl, and Ernie, sister, Verna Poppe, special niece, Linda Edel, and great grandson, Thomas. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 pm on Friday, September 15, 2023, at Kirk Funeral Home. Services will follow at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the South Dakota Community Assistance Program, Feeding South Dakota, Trinity Lutheran Church or any recipient dear to your heart. A special thank you goes out to all the caring medical personnel at Monument Health.