Ardis Vorpahl

Ardis Lynette Nelson Vorpahl, 92, of Hillsboro passed away peacefully and entered into the glories of heaven on Tuesday morning, May 10, 2016. She had been a resident of Hillsboro for over 50 years. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 16, at First Baptist Church in Hillsboro. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Garden of Memory near Hillsboro. Marshall & Marshall Funeral Directors in Hillsboro are in charge of arrangements.

Ardis was born June 4, 1923, to Wauford Steven Nelson and Inez Hamlink of Beasley, Texas. She grew up in that small farming community surrounded by many friends and family members. She was a member of Beasley Baptist Church, making her profession of faith in Jesus at age 12. This began a lifetime of service to the church and her dedication to teaching the Bible and Christian principles to others. Ardis taught Sunday School and other Bible study classes for over 65 years.

Upon graduating high school in 1940, she enrolled in Baylor University. While there she studied to become a teacher, and graduated as a member of the Centennial Class of 1945. She continued her education at Southwestern Theological Seminary in Fort Worth while her husband was also a student.

Ardis married the love of her life, Leon Vorpahl, August 23, 1944. Together, they served many churches in Central and South Texas, including Troy, Bartlett, and Sinton. They moved to Hillsboro when Leon was called to be pastor of First Baptist Church, and remained until Leon’s retirement in 1985. Their leadership inspired many young men and women to serve in ministry. Ardis especially mentored many young women in the unique role of being a pastor’s wife.

The next year after moving to Hillsboro, Ardis began her teaching career as Language Arts and Reading teacher at Hillsboro Jr. High. She continued until her retirement in 1984, a generation of Hillsboro children passing through her classroom over the 20 years.

Preceding her in death are her beloved husband, Leon; her parents; her brother, Wayne Nelson; and her precious baby daughter, Ruth Elizabeth.

She is survived by her children, Kathie Boyd and her husband, Bruce, George Vorpahl and his wife, Nancy, and Lynette Jones and her husband, Ralph. She was the best Nana ever of grandchildren to Mollie Boyd Duddleston and her husband, Jim, Brad Boyd and his wife, Jennifer, Hal Vorpahl, Julia Vorpahl Weaver and her husband, Jim, Andrew Jones and his wife, Senia, and Christopher Jones; and 11 great-grandchildren. In addition, she leaves many other family members to cherish her memory.

The family would like any memorials to be given to Buckner International, 700 North Pearl St., Dallas, TX 75201.

Funeral Service

10:00 AM ,Monday, May 16, 2016
First Baptist Church of Hillsboro
300 E. Franklin Street Hillsboro, TX 76645

Burial

Monday, May 16, 2016
Hillcrest Garden of Memory
3838 State Highway 22 Hillsboro, TX 76645