Dayton, WA - Ardell Cecile Ainsworth, age 80, of Dayton, WA passed away June 10, 2025, at Regency at the Park Rehabilitation Center in Walla Walla after suffering a stroke. She was born October 17, 1944 in Portland, OR to the late John Ainsworth and Dorothy J. Ainsworth Puryear.

Ardell was a talented artist, winning awards for her paintings, carvings, and papier-mache sculptures, and she excelled at many crafts. She loved animals. Over her lifetime her dogs, cats and horses brought her great joy. She was a member of PETA, the animal welfare organization. She participated in several days-long trail rides with riding groups retracing historical routes through Washington and Oregon. She was enthusiastically involved in the goat community for many years. She bred, raised and proudly exhibited her dairy goats, winning blue ribbons at county fairs in and around Walla Walla, the Tri-Cities and beyond. For a time she taught 4H, actively mentoring young people through their goat projects and activities.

Ardell attended school in Portland, OR, Grangeville, ID and La Grande, OR. After obtaining her degrees in education and library science she taught at elementary schools in Crescent City, CA, and at Walla Walla, WA until her retirement.

Ardell is survived by her brothers John Ainsworth of Pendleton, OR and Joseph Ainsworth of Athena, OR, and sisters Paula Morris of Pendleton, OR, Minnett Williams of Mollala, OR and Suetta Puryear of Green Valley, AZ. She will be deeply missed by her cherished friends Judy White of Walla Walla, WA, Jolene Tackett of Dayton, WA, and the many others who shared her friendship.