L. Demund, Ardis

Ardis Laura (LaPoint)-Houseworth-DeMund, age 78, of 16 Pease St., Trumansburg went to be with her Lord, while surrounded by her loving family, on Monday, March 15, 2004 after a short illness.

Born on February 20, 1926 in Ithaca, Ardis was the daughter of Arthur D. LaPoint and Mabel (Morrow) LaPoint-Dorn. Following graduation from Ithaca High School in 1942, Ardis accepted a bookkeeping position with Jamison-McKinney Plumbing & Heating. She also worked in the offices of Laux Advertising and Cutting Motors, all located in Ithaca. Ardis retired from Cutting Motors in 1981.

Music was a big part of her life as was evidenced by the countless hours she played for the residents of area nursing homes. This caring devotion to the residents paid her handsomely in smiles and gently swaying heads keeping time to her music. Ardis also played at many dances over the years and at the Trumansburg Fair, and was a member of the Musicians Union. That ear to ear smile and animated playing left no doubt of the immense joy Ardis received in creating music.

Flowers and gardening were another favorite past-time, but her most precious memories were those of time spent with family. The holiday gatherings were especially heart-warming for Ardis as her children married and shared the joy of their new families with her. A wonderful and devoted mother and grandmother, Ardis was always attentive and available to help and assist them. The loving support and encouragement will continue to warm the hearts of those who knew and loved her forever.

Ardis enjoyed many winters in Florida with her husband, George DeMund prior to his death in June 1978. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Donna (Houseworth)-Austic Morrow in October 2001. She is survived by two daughters, Carol (Houseworth) Shannon and her husband Robert of Durham, NC and Susan (Houseworth) Magnosi and her husband Rocco of Lansing; three sons, Gordon Houseworth, Jr. of Stuart, FL, David Houseworth and his wife Christine and Richard Houseworth and his wife Sandra, all of Trumansburg; fourteen grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter; two sisters, Pauline Higgins (Ralph), Marilyn Seeley and one aunt, Ruth (Morrow) Bush all of Trumansburg, and many nieces and nephews, and cousins.

The family will be present to receive their friends at the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South St., Trumansburg on Friday, March 19, 2004 from 7-9 pm.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Trumansburg United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 20, 2004 at 11:00 am with the Rev. Robyn Wernham officiating. Prayers of Committal, at the Lakeview Cemetery in Interlaken, will be scheduled at a later date.

Because Ardis harbored a deep love for flowers, her family graciously accepts bouquets in her memory. If preferred, memorial contributions may be made to Hospicare, whose caring staff gave tremendous support to Ardis and her family. Contributions may be mailed to: 172 E. King Road, Ithaca, NY 14850.

For additional information, please contact the funeral home at 1-888-534-5446.

Page Submitted By: Joseph L. Sibley, Director