Marolyn "Ardis" Everett (Briggs)

Marolyn Ardis Everett, 92, of Independence, MO, passed away at her home on February 13, 2021. Ardis was born in Audubon, IA, to Frank and Mabel Briggs. As one of four children, she grew up on a large farm. After graduating from Audubon High School in 1946. She moved to Des Moines to work on the staff of the ‘Successful Farming’ magazine. In 1952, Ardis married James Everett with whom she had two daughters. Early in her marriage, the family moved to Europe where they lived for 17 years. Ardis studied Scandinavian History and Culture at the Folkets University in Stockholm, Sweden, as well as Dutch at the Volkers University in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Ardis became President of the American Women’s Club of Stockholm and several years later the President of the International Women’s Club in Amsterdam. Her language skills were exceptional - becoming fluent in Norwegian, Swedish and Dutch. After returning to the States, Ardis remained active in her community eventually becoming President of the Laurel Club, a member of the Lions club, an avid supporter of the National Frontier Trails Foundation, President of the Independence Chapter of Church Women United, and a member of the Mayor’s Advisory Board of Independence. Ardis’ faith community (Community of Christ) meant a great deal to her. She became Women’s Ministries Commissioner and, in that capacity, gave many teaching seminars. She was one of the first women to be ordained to the office of Evangelist. She served as Pastor of the Woods Chapel congregation of the Community of Christ church in Lee’s Summit, MO for several years. She loved that congregation and spoke about her friends there until the day she died. Her fellow congregant and dear friend Dr. Dan Waite occupied a special niche in her heart. Ardis earned a paralegal degree from Rockhurst College and subsequently worked as a legal secretary for Pratt and Christianson, and later for Pratt and Cook. Having passed her Missouri Real Estate examination, she worked for a time for Hershey ERA Real Estate. Ardis is preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, James Everett, her youngest daughter, Susan Everett, and her older brothers Frank and Richard Briggs. She is survived by her daughter Dr Lynne Everett of Independence, her sister Beverly Tyree of Iowa City, brother-in-law Dr Michael Nielson (Claire) of Independence, sister-in-law Nadine Tubbs of San Jose, CA, nieces Valerie Nielson (Ryan Harger) of Independence, Janie Tubbs and Kathy Hom both of San Jose, Karen Roberts (Steve) of Iowa City, Charlotte Fett (Dean) of Audubon, IA, and Linda Briggs Horat and Karen Briggs Fulmer of Calimesa, CA, nephews Bob Briggs (Rich), Christopher Nielson of Chicago, IL, and David Tyree (Terrie) of Denver, CO, great niece Kaleigh Harger of Independence, great nephews Grant Harger of Independence and Dylan Tyree of Denver, CO, and grandsons Maxim and Teo Everett-Beacher of Jacksonville, FL. Breaking bread with friends in her home brought her great joy. She delighted in having guests and always made them feel welcome. Ardis will be sorely missed by her family, many dear friends in the States and abroad, neighbors, church-goers, co-workers as well as by her spunky, loyal canine companion, Foster. The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Crossroads Hospice aide Tamara King and to her dear nurse, Sarah Kimes for their respectful and loving care for Ardis over the past 17 months. They made all the difference. We thank you. Ardis’ funeral will be held at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (corner of Broadway and 12th Street in Kansas City) at 12:15 on Tuesday, February 23rd 2021. Visitation begins at 11:15, eulogy at noon. A private inurnment at Mound Grove Cemetery in Independence will follow. Donations in memory of Ardis can be made to: Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) 110 Maryland Ave NE, Suite 311, Washington, D.C. 20002 Tel: 202-543-1222. The family suggests floral offerings to be sent from Flowers by Design (816) 361-5505. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)