Ardell Mae Eichholz came into this world April 29, 1926, in Omaha, Nebraska, as a very special gift to Arthur Leopold Eichholz and Adelia Caroline Witt Eichholz. She went to her heavenly reward February 15, 2023.

Her father was a successful heating and plumbing contractor and the family moved frequently depending on where his projects were. Eventually Arthur retired to a farm in Sparta, Missouri, where Ardell graduated from Sparta High School and then attended Drury College in Springfield, Missouri. She was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and Eastern Star. She worked for the Springfield Public Schools and retired as an Administrative Secretary.

Ardell married the love of her life, Maurice McCoy Bilyeu on August 7th, 1948. They were married for over thirty-eight years, until Maurice's death in 1986. She later married Leroy Ellingsworth.

Ardell was preceded in death by her parents, brother Robert Arthur Eichholz, brother Richard Lee Eichholz, husband Maurice McCoy Bilyeu and husband Leroy Ellingsworth.

Ardell is survived by her daughter Carolyn Smith and Husband Mike, son Rick Bilyeu, grandchildren Amy Tarter (David), Brad Reece (Stephanie), Josh Reece (Courtney), Britany Bilyeu, Chase Bilyeu (Lisa), and six great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at Maple Park Cemetery, Springfield, MO February 20, 2023 at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Ridgecrest Baptist Church Springfield, Missouri.