Ardith Kangas
Ardith Kangas, 85, lifelong resident of Phelps, WI passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026.
She was born on July 17, 1940, to dearly departed Eugene and Nel Beck. She was one of their three daughters.
On June 9, 1962, she united in marriage to Ray Kangas. They met in high school and were within days of celebrating their 64th wedding anniversary. They raised three children. She was the second of four generations to have graduated from Phelps High School. She was employed at Phelps Clinic by Dr James Zelinski, Big Sand Lake Club, hit retirement age employed at Frontier Builders in Land O’ Lakes, and after retirement kept active by working various positions at the Phelps school. She was a member of St. Johns Lutheran Church (Phelps), but changed to a membership at Twin Lakes Bible Church.
Throughout her life, she enjoyed many weekends camping, nightly craft projects including knitting, crocheting, and embroidery. Mention Lake Superior and she was in the car. Nightly games started anywhere from 6 – 9 pm and would last until midnight! She had many animated toys that changed with every season or holiday. In the last couple years, she discovered the joy of a UTV. She lovingly named it “BUG” and was always ready to jump in and find a mud hole to run through.
She and Ray were one of the founding families of Smokey Lake Riders Snowmobile Club. She had also been a Girl Scout/Cadet Leader and, for a short time, taught Sunday school and directed Christmas programs at St John’s.
Ardith will be dearly missed by her husband, Ray; daughter, Arlyne (Tom) Becker of Conover; sons, Eugene (Heather) Kangas of Oshkosh, and Ray (Prissy) Kangas of Conover; sister, Cindi Beck of Rockwood, TN; grandchildren, Christopher and Aaron Becker; Rachael (Domino) and Ryan Kangas; Jonathan, Dakota and Dustin Kangas; Sammi Mukenschnabl; as well as many nieces and nephews.
She will be reunited in Heaven with those she has missed including her parents; sister, Loretta; and many other family and friends.
As per her request, a private graveside service will be held.
Arrangements by Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home, Eagle River. Online condolences may be expressed at gaffney-busha.com
