Betty (Bernard) Ardwin, 90, of Sabina, passed away February 9, 2017, at home, after a long illness.
She was born near Lees Creek, Ohio on October 25, 1926. Her parents were Dr. Paul and Martha Bernard.
Betty was a graduate of Sabina High School and studied Art at Wilmington College with Harry Halle.
Betty’s father had a veterinary practice in Sabina and she learned to love animals at an early age. She had two horses that were Nation Champions, Mr. Patches and Pokey Joe. She also was a 4-H advisor for horses, and taught many young people how to ride and take care of their animals.
Betty owned “ The Olde Tyme Syne Shoppe”. She taught art classes and sold art supplies in her little studio on Jefferson Street, in Sabina. She painted hundreds of signs, including the ones that said “Welcome to Sabina, The Eden of Ohio”, that greeted people as they entered town. Her signs also were on businesses, work vehicles, and fire trucks all over southwest Ohio.
In 1977, she married George Ardwin, who survives. They owned “Ardwin Photography” in Sabina, and photographed hundreds of weddings and senior high school pictures. Betty was also an award winning negative retoucher and photographic artist. She was named “Artist of the Year” by the Professional Photographers of America, at their annual international convention in Chicago, IL, in 1987. Betty and George were in business for twenty-two years and married forty years.
Betty also enjoyed gardening, unusual art projects, and her three cats. She had a very special friend, Ginny Vandervort, that gave her much comfort.
In keeping with her wishes, there will be no services. Burial will be at New Antioch Cemetery, next to her parents. Littleton Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Please visit www.littletonfuneralhome.com for condolences and to sign the online guest book. Memorial contributions are suggested to one of the Wilmington area humane societies. Betty’s family would like to thank Grace Hospice in Cincinnati for all the help and comfort they provided in a very trying time.