Ardith Marilyn (Doering) Tait

Ardith Marilyn (Doering) Tait, 91, fell asleep in Jesus at her home on July 22, 2023. The daughter of Alfred and Viola (King) Doering was born in Hinsdale, IL on August 11, 1931. She was proceeded in death by her parents, husband of 61 years S. Reid Tait, and sisters Corrinne Hurt and Wilma McClarty. Surviving are sister Geraldine DiDonato and brother Al Doering; four children, Stanton of Nashville, TN, Bradley (Jill) of North Andover, MA, Shannon Houda (Steve) of Glen Ellyn, IL, and Weston of Portage, IN; 11 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. Ardith was a star student at EMC Academy, Berrien Springs, MI graduating as valedictorian in 1949.   

She attended Pacific Union College for one year and then returned to Emanuel Missionary College.  She took a two-year secretarial course and then a degree in English graduating in 1954.  Not surprising her grades were outstanding, graduating with high honors.  She was also active in the band playing the flute.

Ardith met Reid Tait at EMC and they married on August 22, 1954. Reid passed away on December 29, 2015. Ardith attended Michigan State graduating with a master in English in 1957.  She worked in the SDA conference office in Berrien Springs for a few years. Ardith and Reid moved to Midland in about 1960.  Ardith was actively involved in the Midland community by volunteering at and directing the Midland Adventist Community Services center, which gives away household and clothing items to the needy. Over the years she and Reid opened their hearts and their home to anyone in need. Their door was always unlocked and open.

Ardith gave her heart to the Lord very early in life and never wavered from the Seventh-day Adventist faith. Her focus in life was service to Christ and sharing that faith with others. She served the church in various roles — deaconess, member of the Tri-City SDA School board and substitute teacher, church board, treasure, Co-Leader of Midland SDA Pathfinders, and Sabbath School teacher. Ardith enjoyed a wide range of sports including downhill skiing, ice skating, and volleyball. She also enjoyed playing games such as Scrabble, Bananagrams, Sudoku, and doing Puzzles. She also enjoyed reading and Bible study. Ardith was very active and constantly moving.  When her lawn mower broke when she was 90 the kids offered to get her a lawn mowing service.  She would have none of it.  A mower with an electric start was her only request.

Funeral services for Ardith will be conducted 10:00 a.m. Sunday, July 30, 2023 at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2420 E. Ashman Street, Midland.  Private interment will be at the Homer Township Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home, 4210 N Saginaw Rd, Midland on Saturday, July 29 from 5 until 7 p.m., and at the church on Sunday, from 9:00 am until the time of service at 10 am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Midland Adventist Community Services and New Midland Seventh-day Adventist School Building.  Personal messages of condolence may be offered at www.wilson-miller.com.

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