Ardith Mae Filliger

Ardith Mae Filliger, 86, passed away Monday, January 6, 2014, in Seaside. She was born March 30, 1927, in Pretty Rock, North Dakota, to Oren Polk and Frances E. Zubrod Polk. In 1936, her parents and seven siblings moved from North Dakota to Roseburg, Oregon. At age 14, she began training as a caregiver while going to school. After graduating from high school in Roseburg, she enrolled in the Nursing Program at St. Mary’s Hospital in Astoria, and was in their last graduating class.

Ardith married Arthur J. “Art” Filliger, December 30, 1948, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Astoria, and Art survives at their residence in Seaside. Ardith and Art moved to Pleasant Hill, California, from 1961-1976, and Ardith worked at Rossmoor Manor. They returned to Astoria, residing in the Lewis & Clark area of Astoria and she worked at Columbia Memorial Hospital from 1977 until her retirement in 2000. After her retirement from the hospital, she began working for Home Health and Hospice for a few years.

Ardith enjoyed spending time with her family, gardening, and traveling. She was a very active member of St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church. Two of the many highlights of her life was traveling to the Holy Lands with members of her church family and a trip to Switzerland.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Susan Filliger of Seaside, two daughters; Jan Morrison of Warrenton and Kellie Kinkead of Ashland; and a son, Scott Filliger of Warrenton. Grandchildren, Ariel and Jared Morrison of Warrenton. A brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Donna Polk of Roseburg, Oregon. A sister-in-law, Lorraine Ewing of Carmel, California.

Visitation will be Friday, January 10, 2014, from 4-7 p.m. at Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held Saturday, January 11, 2014, at 10:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 1465 Grand Ave., Astoria, Oregon.

Graveside Services will follow at Ocean View Cemetery, Warrenton, Oregon.

Following the Graveside Services, a reception will be held at the Star of The Sea School Auditorium.

Memorial Contributions may be given to Home Health & Lower Columbia Hospice, 2111 Exchange St., Suite 206, Astoria, Oregon 97103.

Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Please sign our online guest book at: www.caldwellsmortuary.com