In Loving Memory
Local Real Estate icon Carol Ard died suddenly and peacefully
in her home on September 3, 2017. She was born in Rexburg, Idaho
to Elden and Loah Anderson and was raised on their farm. She
started her Real Estate career in 1970. Carol moved to Seattle in
1988; her extraordinary ability to work hard to reach her goals led
her to a respected career with Windermere Real Estate. She quickly
fell in love with Magnolia. It seems to us that she listed, sold or lived
in every house in 98199. You may have started as a client, but would
quickly become a lifelong friend. There are few people that haven’t
heard an “Oh my hell” during a conversation. She set a standard
in the Real Estate world of honesty and integrity. Her word was
her bond.
After making the Magnolia neighborhood her home, there was
rarely a time that her house wasn’t filled with family and friends.
Generous with her quick wit and love, she started the tradition of
making a large dinner every Sunday night. For 25 years all were
welcome for her famous roast, Idaho mashed potatoes and
homemade rolls.
The Haunted Alley become a local tradition that residents, young
and old, flocked to every Halloween. Carol was not actually a fan
of Halloween, but loved giving out full size candy bars and seeing
all the kids dressed up. Her favorite day of the year was November
1st when she could start decorating for Christmas. She hosted her
children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren; they all arrived
Christmas Eve and stayed at her home for days. Santa stopped by
Christmas Eve to take pictures with the kids (and adults). Easter was
another holiday that brought family and friends together. Our Easter
Bunny (Tom) hid hundreds of eggs stuffed with dollar bills. She
never missed an opportunity to celebrate a significant occasion.
Carol gave to many organizations especially those serving
families and generously supported The Moyer Foundation and the
local LDS church.
Her optimism and adventurous spirit inspired everyone around
her. She is survived by the love of her life Tom Canning, three
children Gary (Rowena) Ard, Gina Ard and Ginger (Sean) Shiotani,
seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and two sisters Sheralyn
(Dwight) Spaulding and Shauna Lee (Jim) Hansen.
Remembrances From Her Family
I wed into the family, but I never felt that way around Carol, she
was “Grannie” from the moment we met. Her inclusive nature never
made you feel like an outsider. She had such an easy way about
her, it made you feel at home regardless of where you were. When
you spoke, she listened -- intensely. For that moment, nothing else
mattered to her but you. Her home was filled with love, the palpable
kind you could feel as soon as you walked in. That kind of love
doesn’t just happen, it’s cultivated from years of giving herself freely
to others. My heart has lost another piece, she was taken from us too
soon and she will be forever missed.
– Tyler Harmor
Carol was more than my Grandmother... she was my best friend.
I shared everything about my life with her, all my fears, dreams and
hopes! In return she guided me, comforted me, lifted me, filled me
with courage and strength. Life was so easy and fun in her presence!
You just knew that you could do anything. She was beautiful that way,
every time you were near her you just knew everything was possible.
It’s so rare to find positive love like she shared, if you are lucky
perhaps once in a lifetime! I was lucky, and I’m so grateful to have
had her for a grandmother! She was my best friend!
– Reggie Ewing
Mother was the original rebel, at a time when women often took
a back seat, she never did. She was determined and charismatic,
allowing her to get away with things that got others into trouble. She
was very free in giving her opinion, and even if you didn’t agree, her
optimistic and happy style opened the conversation and relationships
were formed quickly. She liked and accepted everyone from the
first meeting. From a small-town start, she had a flamboyant big
city attitude. She has been a best friend, counselor, cheerleader and
support all of my life. She has been the super glue for our family
with her over the top plans for every occasion. She has been the best
unconventional, free spirited loving Mother any daughter could have.
She will be remembered with great love forever.
– Gina Ard
Remembrances From Her Friends and the Community
“What a loss for the entire Magnolia community.”
“Someone I always secretly held close and respected truly for her ability, through
her heart, to hold a beautiful family together seamlessly.”
“She had the biggest heart of anyone I have met and she always cared for
everyone unconditionally. I remember her sarcasm and will never forget
her laugh.”
“Our daughter will forever remember the Haunted Alley every Halloween as a
part of her childhood. Our deepest condolences to the family. Your mom made this
community a better place, forever living in memory.”
“Carol gave so much to the community. She will be missed.”
“What a force she was in business - and so generous - welcoming all those kids to
her house for hours of fun. Magnolia will not be the same without her. “
“Carol was one of the most beautiful people I have ever known. She opened
her heart and her house to myself, my wife and our boys after our recent move
to Seattle. She welcomed us into her house for Sunday dinner and had our kids
attend the Halloween gathering she had at her house. She was an inspiration to us
all and we are all better people for having met her.”
“I had many transactions with her over the years and she was a delight to work
with. Always to the point and full of laughter - we had a great many laughs over
the years! She will be sorely missed by so many. “
“Carol was a wonderful, positive person and a joy to be around. She always
showed a genuine love for her family and friends and was very thoughtful. We will
miss her very much, and we will take comfort in our happy memories.”
“Your mom was just such a huge part of Magnolia’s fabric that it’s hard to
imagine the neighborhood without her. But you and your family and children are
her true legacy--we should all be as lucky as your mom to leave the world a better
place because of the people we put into it.”
“We loved Carol she always made us feel like family. She really had a heart
of gold! We will always remember her as being so positive, generous, kind and
always smiling! She was a sweet lady and she will be deeply missed.”
“My memories of her will always bring a smile to my face and remind me to
remain true to myself at all costs. She lived life on her own terms and never let
the opinions of others stop her from being who she really was. BRAVO Carol,
you were one of a kind and I was blessed to have known you. You’ll be missed but
never forgotten.”
“I have some great memories of your mom. I remember when she rolled into town
and took over. Kinda made me laugh. Who does that? When you got all the egos
in Magnolia. I will miss her, peace and prayers to your family.”
The Ard family would like to thank everyone for their kind
words, memories and prayers. We are grateful to live in such
a supportive and caring community.