Ardith Lee Northcutt Chance

Ardith Lee Northcutt Chance, 90, died Wednesday, December 29, at her home in Crittenden, Kentucky, following a two-year illness.  Born May 31, 1931, in Dry Ridge, Kentucky, she was the daughter of Hobart Griffin and Modena McCoy Northcutt.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Charles Evan Chance, having married on October 18, 1952.   More than anything, Ardith loved her husband, their farm life, and their children.   She is survived by daughters, Carla Chance, Melinda Chance, Kathryn Chance, and Mary Lee Chance (Nathan) Smith; and sons Mark Chance (Jackie Masters) and Brian (Rae) Chance.  Additionally, she is survived by seven grandchildren:  Kyle Evan Chance, Lee Michael Chance, Evan Michael Chance, Charles Chance Smith, Nathaniel Griffin Smith, Dora Holley Smith, and Rose Northcutt Smith; and by four great grandchildren.  She is preceded in death by sisters Dora Evalyn Littleton, Margaret "Kee" Sayers, and Rosemary Clements; and brother James Clifton Northcutt.  She is survived by brothers William Forrest Northcutt and Hobart Lawson Northcutt.

Following graduation from Dry Ridge High School, where she was classmate and friend with her future sister-in-law Mary Agnes Chance Snow, Ardith began her career in Williamstown, Kentucky.  Ardith was employed at the Cincinnati Bell Office where she worked alongside many good friends, including Dorothy Gordon Altman, until she and Charles began their family.  At that point she concentrated on farm and family life.  Ardith and Charles were members of the Dry Ridge Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and reared their family at Crittenden Christian Church.  Ardith loved working on the farm and stripped tobacco until she turned 80.  She continued to work in the vegetable garden and canned and preserved fruits and vegetables throughout her life.  She was known as a wonderful cook having fed many farm hands at her table where all were welcome.  In 2020, Governor Andy Beshear recognized Ardith as a Kentucky Colonel citing her devotion to the Kentucky Family Farm.

Gifts in memory of Ardith Chance may be made to St. Jude Childrens’ Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105.

Compliance with Covid masking, vaccine and booster protocols is requested.