Obituary for
Ardith McKinster
Ardie McKinster passed away Sunday, October 26th in her home. Mom was born March 22nd, 1932 in Scandia, KS. to Dorthy Bettis. She graduated high school from Belville, KS. and moved to Limon, CO. with her Mother and Step Father Lou Gascon. She met and married Eldean Asa Ratliff in 1951 and had her first son, Asa, followed by Michael, Jerry and Lori. As a true "Parkerite" the family moved to what is now a historical monument on Pikes Peak Avenue in 1970 (Sold to Mom by Rita Kime, an original homesteader of Parker). Main Street had just been paved with only Don's Auto, Steven's Superette, Dorthy's laundramat and barber shop along with the local Hotel. She raised her children single handedly as Eldean passed away early in their marriage.
She began tending bar at the famous Ponderosa Inn and over the next few years became the General Manager while buying a portion of the restaurant. While working 12 hour days Mom supported her children academically and when she could break away from the restaurant, she was a true cheer leader for the Douglas County Huskies! God knows how she loved life and her family. Mom met Royal C. McKinster and they married in 1980. Royal passed away after almost two decades of memories with Mom, while on the McKinster Ranch in Parker. Mom moved to Bradbury Ranch in 1997.
After selling her interest in the Ponderosa Inn, she worked as a cashier at Hills Country Market until she retired. Mom fought a valliant battle against COPD and lung cancer over the past couple years. Mom had a heart of gold with many friends of the old Parker era who have since passed on. She will be remembered, and rest, at the Parker cemetery while being welcomed into the Kingdon of Heaven.
