DOVER-FOXCROFT – Ardell S. Flanders, 87, husband of Ruth W. Flanders, died Feb. 5, 2009, at a local nursing home. He was born July 31, 1921, in Sangerville, the son of Mina A. (Howard) Flanders and Willie A. Flanders. A 1938 graduate of Foxcroft Academy, Ardell served in the Army in Korea during World War II. He was a dairy farmer and lumberman for many years. He served as selectman for the town of Sangerville. After his retirement from farming, he worked for Eastern Artificial Insemination until 1980. For the next 15 years, he created and maintained the Enchanted Forest, a sculpture park and playground in a pine grove that was enjoyed by thousands of visitors from all throughout the world. Ardell received a citation from the governor of Maine and a Kiwanis Distinguished Service Award for his work on the Enchanted Forest. He is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth (Washburn) Flanders, currently a resident of Hibbard Nursing Home; two daughters, Gale L. Flanders and husband, Michael White, of Cambridge, Mass., and Kathy L. Flanders of Auburn, Ala.; sister, Wilma Matz; sister-in-law, Mary Flanders; many beloved nieces, nephews and their descendents. Ardell was predeceased by his sisters and brothers, Wayland Flanders, Dorothy Campbell, Edith Flanders, Ruth Wardwell and Howard LeRoy Flanders. Ardell also leaves many close and special friends that he made throughout his life. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may find a way to help others. We hope that they will find in return as much happiness as Ardell received from those who visited his Enchanted Forest. Messages of condolence and memories may be sent to Kathy Flanders, 602 Meadowbrook Drive, Auburn, AL 36830; Gale Flanders, 243 Western Ave., No. 3, Cambridge, MA 02139 or expressed online at www.laryfuneralhome.com.
ARDELL S. FLANDERS
