Ardis E. McCandless

Ardis E. McCandless, 95, of Whiting, Iowa passed away Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Pleasant View Care Center, Whiting, Iowa.

Per Ardis’ wishes, cremation has been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date “close to summer”. Arrangements are under the direction of Goslar Funeral Home and Monuments, Onawa, Iowa.

Ardis was born August 5, 1930 in Sloan, Iowa, the daughter of Clarence and Freeda (Carlson) Brenden. She was baptized in the Swedish Covenant Church.  She attended Whiting Community School and graduated from Whiting High School with the class of 1948.

Ardis Brenden and Bertel McCandless were married on October 6, 1950. To this union two children were born, a son, Dennis in 1951, and a daughter, Terry in 1953. While raising their children, Ardis and Bert were busy with work, bowling, square dancing, being scout leaders, little league coaching, camping, card parties, and many social gatherings with friends and family. Bert passed away April 1, 2022.

Ardis worked for the Post Office in Whiting for nearly thirty years, serving as Postmaster for fifteen years until her retirement. She enjoyed quilting, painting, gardening, and many kinds of crafts. Ardis loved bringing people together and often welcomed friends into her home for quilting gatherings filled with conversation and laughter. She was active in her community, volunteering at the local library and taking part in the rural mothers’ club.

Survivors include her son, Dennis (Teresa) McCandless; her daughter, Terry Schaaf; grandchildren, Amanda McCandless, Jake (Amanda) Steiner, Abigail Steiner, Sarah (Wade) Fegenbush, and Scott McCandless; step grandchildren, Brandon Schaaf, Dustin Schaaf, Matt Seitzinger, and Gretchen (William) Trotter; great-grandchildren, Bradyn, Jaylee, Hannah, Gracee, and Kallie; step-great-grandchildren, Blake, Madelynn, Brody, Jaden, Camden, Logan, Tyler, Ellie, and Will; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bertel “Bert” McCandless; parents, Clarence and Freeda (Carlson) Brenden; son-in-law, Mark Schaaf; and siblings, Arnold (Nancy) Brenden, Donna Williams, Gale (Joanne) Brenden, Doris (Barney) Nelson, and Lois (Neil) Leapley.

Memorials in Ardis’ memory may be directed to the Whiting Public Library, 407 Whittier Street, Whiting, Iowa, 51063.

Condolences may be left online for the family at www.goslarfuneralhome.com

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