Ardella Lavena Marie (Pinchem) Wallace

Ardella Lavena Marie Wallace, first born of the late Harold Pinchem and the late Cleo Brown Pinchem, was born on May 14, 1932, and passed on July 3, 2022. Ardella was a graduate of Sumner School. After graduation, she married James Wallace and moved to Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia before settling the family back in Leavenworth.

Ardella managed many roles. She was the eldest of five girls, who were not only sisters, but friends who loved to spend time together laughing, talking, and teasing each other. This family closeness, they instilled in their children. Ardella was the mother of six busy children, and a second mother to a few others. She was a positive role model, teacher, mentor, disciplinarian, and cheerleader. Not only did she raise her children as a single mother, she helped to care for/raise three generations of grandchildren, great great grandchild, and a niece, while still having time to care for and assist several homebound relatives and friends.

Ardella was an active member of the Pentecostal Church of Apostolic Faith (PCAF) at 1701 5th Avenue. At an early age, she was baptized under the pastorship of the late Bishop Herbert Davis. During her time in the church, she wore many hats. In her teen years, Ardella sang in a church choir which traveled to other cities to perform. As an adult, she served as a member of her church’s usher board; as well as serving in the roles of financial secretary, treasurer, special programs coordinator, and manager of the food pantry. When she was not working at the PCAF food pantry, she helped pass out or serve food at the Leavenworth Mission Community Store. She never tired of helping others.

Ardella worked at the Veterans Affairs Center in Leavenworth, prior to transferring to the OB/GYN Clinic at Munson Army Hospital in Fort Leavenworth. She was recognized for her superb job in running the OB/GYN clinic. While working at Munson, Ardella would go on to hold a long-term position with Weight Watchers. Through her dedication and commitment to the company, Ardella was flown out to New York City by Weight Watchers to join in their festivities; celebrating their 25th anniversary.

Ardella was preceded in death by her parents, Cleo and Harold Pinchem; Sisters, Harolene Davis and Emma Hinton; Daughter, Gigi Lifsey; Grandchildren, James Darnell Wallace, his wife Traylena Huff, and their baby girl. She is survived by one son, James Wallace, Lawrence, KS; four daughters, Maria Thomas (Bruce), Cameron, NC, Marva Wallace, Leavenworth, KS, Janice Wallace, Lawrence, KS, and Jackie Johnson (Anthony), Columbia, SC; fifteen grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren, seven great great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

As there will not be a formal funeral service, the family invites you to continue your prayers, calls or visits at the home of Ardella Wallace, 840 Limit, Leavenworth, KS. In lieu of flowers, feel free to contribute to the Leavenworth Mission Community Store, 1140 Spruce St., Leavenworth, KS. Their website is https://donorbox.org/lv-mission-donations-2020 or call (913) 651-8800.

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