Ardis Christenson Williams
With love and deep sadness, we announce the passing of Ardis Christenson Williams who left this world after a life filled with joy, creativity and devotion to her family and friends.
Born in 1927, in North Dakota to Agnes and Elvin Christenson. She grew up with a generous heart and a passion for learning that shaped the course of her life.
Ardis dedicated over 30 years to shaping young minds as an elementary school teacher. In her presence, every child felt seen and valued.
A gifted and accomplished artist, Ardis found great joy in painting, capturing the beauty she saw in nature. She took inspiration from her beautiful garden in her art. She loved to travel exploring the beautiful landscapes across our country and around the world.
A lifelong reader, Ardis could often be found with a book in her hand or gathered around a table playing cards, games or piecing together a puzzle.
She shared 67 years of marriage to her beloved husband, Phil where together they built a family filled with love.
Ardis is survived by her two children, four grandchildren, and four great grandchildren whom were devoted to her.
To all who met her, she was an inspiration. Ardis filled every room with love, laughter and joy and she approached life with an adventurous spirit always ready to try something new.
Her legacy of love creativity and joyful spirit will continue to live within us. We miss her dearly.
Ardis’ family will greet guests for a visitation on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Crowder Funeral Home – Webster, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Friends of Freeman Library at friendsoffreeman.org
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. She definitely left a lasting impression on us and we are so blessed to have met her. She was a very special lady!
It surprises me to see how short the time was that Ardis worked at my school. It seems like it was longer. That is the impression she left on me. It has been a blessing to have been able to reconnect with her at CCART meetings!
Ardis was always kind, intelligent, hard working, and a great outstanding teacher!She started many children, including my daughter, on a loving path of their education right in their kindergarten year. She supported each child as a special unique individual. She treated each child with love, kindness,dignity, and fun! They really were given a great start in life in kindergarten! Marilyn Coker McPhillips
I first met Ardis Williams as I began my student teaching in her classroom at Clear Lake City Elementary School in 1974. I quickly became drawn to her genuine smile and love for all her students. I was fortunate enough to be hired at Clear Lake City Elementary and got to know Ardis as a colleague and friend.
She will be missed by many individuals who began their school years in her classroom.
I met Ardis in water exercise class at the clear lake rec center pool several years ago. We became fast friends. She was kind, funny, loved to laugh and had a keen intellect. We got together for coffee, lunches, shopping and other fun stuff. Artists had lots of friends . People just really liked Ardis. Wherever she went someone would always recognize her and meet her with a big smile and a hug.She will be greatly missed.
Mrs. Williams was one of my favorite teachers. I am a very, very long way from my Clear Lake Elementary school years but can still remember her kindness. Kindergarten can be very scary for a child and she helped me make it less scary.
One other thing I remember was the “I like” project. Whenever a child had a birthday, each of their classmates had to tell out loud what they liked about them. Mrs. Williams wrote each of the quotes down and gave the quotes to the child with the birthday. I discovered earlier this year that I still have this paper. Weathered, for sure. Kind of a cool memory unlocked. It put a smile on my face then and now.