Ardyth Drake Shaffer
(June 17, 1923 - May 6, 2011)

Ardyth Drake Shaffer, age 87, former Mendon resident, died on Friday, May 6, 2011 at the Laurels of Shane Hill in Rockford.

Born June 17, 1923 in Mendon, Ardyth was the daughter of Henry and Louise (Andrews) Drake.

She married Max James Shaffer on December 23, 1945 and he preceded her in death on December 20, 1993.

Ardyth is survived by a daughter, Henni (Andrew) Hinders of Celina and a son, James Drake (Leigh Ann) Shaffer of Mendon. Three grandchildren survive, Brian and Brad Shaffer and Mac Hinders. A granddaughter, Brittany Shaffer, preceded her in death. Also surviving is a brother-in-law, Paul (Dorothy) Shaffer, Ft. Wayne.

A 1941 graduate of Mendon-Union High School, Ardyth continued her education and received a B.S. in business education from Ohio Northern University. She earned Master's degrees in both guidance counseling and school psychology from St. Francis College.

She was a business education teacher at the former Ridge High School in Van Wert County, Spencerville High School and Mendon-Union High School. She taught business and was Dean of Girls at Celina High School. At Parkway High School she served as guidance counselor. Ardyth concluded her career in education as a school psychologist for the Mercer County Educational Service Center. She was a co-owner of Drake and Shaffer Auto Sales in Mendon and also assisted her husband Max on the family farm.

Ardyth was a member of the Mendon First Church of God, where she had served as youth leader. She also was a Girl Scout leader. Ardyth enjoyed gardening and participating in a bridge club.

For forty one years, Ardyth served on the board of the Mercer County Library. She served for several years on the board of the Community Action Commission (CAC). Ardyth served on the board of the Western Ohio Educational Foundation (WOEF), and the Mercer County Civic Foundation. Ardyth was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society of Women Educators.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 9th from 5 - 8 PM and one hour prior to services Tuesday at W.H. Dick and Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home, Mendon. Funeral services will be at 11 AM Tuesday, May 10th at the Mendon funeral home with Rev. Don Clinger officiating. Burial will follow at Mendon Cemetery.

In memory of Ardyth, contributions may be made to the Mercer County Civic Foundation, P.O. Box 439, Celina, Ohio 45822.