Ardith M. Behlen, 80, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at Brookestone Acres in Columbus.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 25 at 10:30 AM, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Columbus with Rev. Patrick Sparling officiating.  Interment will be in Shell Creek Baptist Cemetery, rural Columbus. Visitation will be on Monday from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Gass Haney Funeral Home and continue Tuesday from 9:30 AM until service time at the church.  There will be a family prayer service on Tuesday at 10:15 AM at the church.  Memorials are suggested to Immanuel Lutheran Church or donors choice.

Ardith was born June 22, 1944, in Columbus, to Theodore and Marcella (Kapels) Osten. Ardith attended St. John's Lutheran Church LCMS where she was baptized on July 16, 1944, and confirmed on March 30, 1958. She attended St. John's Elementary Grade school and graduated from Columbus Junior High School in May, 1959 and Columbus Senior High in May, 1962.

Ardith was united in marriage to Bob Behlen on July 17, 1966, at St. John's Lutheran Church LCMS. They were blessed with 53 years of marriage and two children, Kelly and Brian, and three grandchildren: Colt Harder, Jordyn Behlen, and Rylan Behlen.

After graduation, Ardith worked for Nebraska Public Power District as an Economic Data Coordinator.  She enjoyed all her travels to conferences and cherished the many friendships made during her 46 year career.  She retired on April 11, 2011.

Ardith volunteered with the Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighter's Association Auxiliary. She enjoyed the amazing group of women within the Ladies Auxiliary, and participating in the many events and committees.  As a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, she enjoyed sewing with the Knotty Ladies, supporting various committees and attending fellowship classes.

Ardith was an avid gardener who enjoyed canning fruits and vegetables, and making salsa and pickles her family savored.  She loved to sew, providing baby bibs, blankets and bath towels to all grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Ardith's beautiful quilts are keepsakes that her family will treasure always.

Ardith's greatest loves in life are the moments spent with her family and friends.  She loved relaxing and celebrating many milestones at the family cabin at Ernst Lake.  Attending her grandchildren's many activities of baseball, football, volleyball, band and cheer events provided memories that she kept locked within her heart. Ardith loved walking outdoors and counting her steps. She also loved watching Nebraska football and volleyball games.

Her faith in God provided her strength as she courageously battled cancer over the past three years.

Ardith, devoted mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, is survived by daughter, Kelly (Greg) Harder of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; grandson, Colt Harder; son, Brian (Jodi) Behlen of Lincoln; granddaughters, Jordyn and Rylan Behlen; brother, Duane Osten of Columbus; sister, Arlene (Dave) Blessen of Bennington, brother, Darrel (Carol) Osten of Columbus; brother, Dennis (Monette) Osten of Columbus; sister-in-law, Charlene Behlen of Columbus, sister-in-law, Micki Behlen of Columbus, sister-in-law Joani (Gerry) Szudlo of Lincoln; nieces and nephews.

Ardith was preceded in death by parents, Theodore and Marcella Osten; husband, Robert "Bob" Behlen; parents in law, Elmer and Virgie Behlen, brothers in law, Carroll Behlen and Larry Behlen; nephew-in-law, John Matteson.