Ardeth Lydia Meyer

Ardeth Meyer, age 90, of Oronoco, passed away on September 22, 2026 at Cottagewood Community in Rochester, Minnesota.

Ardeth Lydia Wittlief was born on March 30, 1936 to parents, Alex and Marian (King) Wittlief in Oronoco Township, Olmsted County, Minnesota. She was one of five children. She grew up learning the value of hard work and being a self-starter. She was determined and would come to have the lifelong motto, “Once you start, you always finish.” On June 26, 1953, she married John “Jack” Meyer and they began their life together, this union was blessed with 5 children. Together, she and Jack would raise and show horses, garden and then can the fruits of their labors. Caring for her family was her highest priority and greatest joy. She loved having family picnics and get-togethers, especially Christmas Eve. Ardeth was great at sewing, making most of the family’s clothing. Always by Jack’s side, she learned many things from him and their sons, like carpentry and building trades- she even had her own hammer. She found a thrill in finding the best deal while garage saleing. As each family member got married, she was the baker and cake decorator, creating special memories for each of them.

She was a member of Pax Christi Parish in Rochester and was a past member of The Island Riders Saddle Club. Ardeth was very interested in her children and grandchildren’s lives and took every opportunity to be involved in their activities. She accomplished anything she wanted to learn and will be remembered for being determined, strong and not to mention, sassy. Ardeth will never be forgotten and her legacy lives on in all that knew her.

She is survived by her husband of 73 years, Jack Meyer; children, Kathreen (Tim) Smiley, Michael (Sue) Meyer, Christine Hodge, John Jr. (Nancy) Meyer and Stacy (Kim) Kisro; 14 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-granddaughter; sisters, Marlene Skelly and Ellen (Gene) Swanson; many other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, Ardeth is preceded in death by her brother, Richard Wittleif; sister, Gloria Skelly; brother-in-law, Jim Skelly; son-in-law, Jay Hodge and grandson, Justin Mann.

A Memorial Service will be on Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 2 PM at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Mahler Chapel, Pine Island with Father Shawn Haremza officiating. Visitation will beone hour prior. Interment will be at a later date in Oronoco Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Pax Christi Parish in Rochester, Minnesota. Mahn Family Funeral Home – Pine Island is entrusted with arrangements. www.MahnFamilyFuneralHome.com