Mrs. Ardis Kitchen Dalrymple

Ardis Mae Kitchen Dalrymple of Columbia, SC, died on October 27, 2022. She was born on December 16, 1924, in Port Huron, MI, to Flora Curtis and Burt W. Kitchen. When she was 9, her family moved to Washington, DC, for her father to take a job with the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. She graduated from Wilson’s Teacher’s College, majoring in elementary education. She began her working career in a dress shop and then took various office positions. One of her employers thought her so accomplished, he recommended her for a “Hill” position. She went for an interview with Senator Homer Ferguson (R-Michigan) and was hired on the spot! She held various office positions over the years and always enjoyed her secretarial skills, which were superb. She could still take shorthand, although not as quickly, at her death! She met her beloved husband, Robert “Bob” Curtis Dalrymple, in Washington, while they were singing in the choir at Washington Street Cathedral and for over 60 years, they made beautiful music together until his passing in 2008. Bob served in the Army for 30 years, retiring as Lt. Col. in the infantry division. During his military service, his postings took them all over the world to Japan, Ohio, Maryland, South Carolina, France, Texas, and Germany, and finally returning to South Carolina to work at the University of South Carolina. She was instrumental in designing their home on Woodlake Road before the Thousand Year Flood of 2015, ruined their lakefront home and she relocated. She was a faithful member of Shandon United Methodist Church, serving as past president of her Sunday School class. In her younger years she was selected Queen of Job’s Daughters, a Masonic organization in which her father was a member. She was also president of both the Newcomers and Settlers Clubs, social networks designed for newly arrived families to the Columbia area. Ardis became a Bronze Master bridge player, taught numerous bridge classes and played in many bridge tournaments with players of different skill level. She loved learning and never stopped her search for knowledge. At her passing, she was still studying some Spanish on her iPad. She also enjoyed golf, especially with her husband and children. In earlier days, she won the Ladies Club Championship at Ft. Jackson Golf Course. Ardis is survived by her daughter, Joyce (Flay) Reid of Columbia; and her son, Craig (Carol) Dalrymple of Seneca. She had three grandchildren, Brad (Missy) Dalrymple of Greenwood; Laura Cross (Charlie Brailey) of Lexington, and Shanna (Victor) Reid Drescher of Prairieville, LA. She was blessed with six great-grandchildren, Genna, Bradyn and Jackson Dalrymple; Logan Cross; and Brooke and Emily Drescher. She was always such a warm, loving, and gracious individual, who could find laughter and joy in the smallest of incidents. Ardis will be sorely missed by her family and all who knew her. Memorials may be made to Shandon United Methodist Church or St. Jude Children’s Hospital or a charity of your choosing. A family service will be held at a later date. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

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Mrs. Ardis Kitchen Dalrymple

December 16, 1924 - October 27, 2022