Ardythe I. Diwishek, 80, of Ely Lake, MN, passed away unexpectedly at home on Thursday, September 12, 2019.

She was born Ardythe Irene Nukala on July 9, 1939, in Virginia, MN; the daughter of Ernest and Ailie (Lehto) Nukala. She grew up in Alango, where she attended school and where her family owned the Nukala General Store and Gas Station. After her father's untimely passing the family moved to Virginia, where Ardythe graduated from high school. After graduation, she moved to Minneapolis and worked in the Billy Graham office, then attended Bethel College. In 1958, she joined the young people's group called "God's Invasion Army" of the General Baptist Conference, where she then met her future husband, Jerry Diwishek. They were married on July 23, 1960 in Cook. They lived in Virginia for a time then moved to San Diego, CA, where she had a Day Care and lived for the next 15 years. They moved back to Northern Minnesota in 1976, and to Britt in 1977, where they built their home and resided the next 30 years. After the redirection of the new 4 lane Highway 53 traversed through their homestead, they moved to Ely Lake, where they currently reside. Earlier they had been members of the First Baptist Church in Cook, where Ardythe served as secretary for several years and later at Immanuel Baptist Church in Virginia. Ardythe was an active musician; sang in all the choirs, some trios, played the piano and violin and was an avid amateur vocalist. She loved doing embroidery, and enjoyed baking, gardening, scrapbooking, along with being an accomplished seamstress- sewing many items, including blankets for her family. Ardythe was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by 1 brother, Marvin Nukala. Ardythe is survived by her husband, Jerry; 4 children, Valerie Diwishek of Eveleth, Michelle Gribbon of Duluth, John Diwishek of Sauk Rapids, MN and Tim Diwishek of Virginia; 1 sister, Doreen (Arlee) Olson of Cook; 4 Grandchildren, Casey Diwishek, Alia Gribbon, Chloe Diwishek and Ellie Diwishek.

A gathering and sharing time to celebrate her life will be from 11:00AM to 1:00PM, Friday, September 20th, 2019 at Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook. Private family interment will be in the Cook Community Cemetery. To leave an online condolence please go to www.mlakerfuneralhome.com