Ardy Fernandez

Ardy Fernandez passed away Tuesday July 16, 2016 at her home. She lived a full and happy 85 years. Ardy was born in Downey, Idaho on July 7, 1931 to Emma Elizabeth Foster Aldous and Robert William Aldous.

Her childhood years were spent on the farm. Although she had half siblings, she grew up as an only child since they were older and had moved away. Ardy loved riding horses and making paper dolls. Her mother was her best friend. Ardy lost her mother to cancer at a fairly young age, but the legacy of love she had received was deep and abiding.

She attended first grade at the small Cambridge School House. The school closed the following year and so she attended grade school and high school in Downey. Ardy was adventurous and daring. She always rode the scary rides at Saltair and Lagoon but was afraid to walk home in the dark.

She met her life-long companion, Henry Fernandez, when she was seventeen. They were married for 68 years and raised 6 children who adored their parents. When Henry died six weeks ago Ardy felt a heartache she couldn't overcome.

Ardy was the very heart and center of her home. She was a mother first and she gave her full measure of love to her family. It would be hard to find a more unselfish person.

Ardy did not seek a career or public acknowledgments. Her calling was to be a mother and that is where she found her greatest joy and her greatest success. Her life was full and rich with the family she loved.

There have been heartaches and sorrows along with disappointments and trials, but the joy and love have outweighed the drama and the trauma. No one can take the place of a Mother.
It is with deep gratitude that we recognize what an extraordinary blessing it has been to have Ardy and Henry as parents.

Ardy was preceded in death by; her husband, Henry Fernandez; two grandsons, Dennis Hochstrasser Jr. and Darin Hochstrasser; son-in-law, Dennis Hochstrasser; great-grandson, Parker Fernandez and one great-granddaughter Elizabeth Castle.

Surviving are her children: Vicki Hochstrasser, Linda Pence, Teri (Cory) Lamb, Danny (Kristen) Fernandez, Tami (Mark) Deagle and Randy (Lisa) Fernandez. She is also survived by seventeen grandchildren, thirty great-grandchildren and eight great great-grandchildren.

Ardy's family will receive friends at a viewing from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, August 19, 2016 at Wilks Funeral Home 211 W. Chubbuck Road. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 20, 2016 at the funeral home with a viewing one hour prior. Interment will follow services in the Cambridge Cemetery in Downey. Condolences may be sent to the family online at wilksfuneralhome.com.