Mardelle Dudash Obituary

Mardelle “Mardi” Ann Stover Dudash, age 80, of Aurora, Colorado passed away on October 13, 2025.

Mardi was born to Francis and Elma (Eiklenborg) Stover on June 25, 1945, in Grundy Center, Iowa and raised in the farming community of Dike, Iowa. Following her graduation from Dike High School in 1963, Mardi attended business school in Omaha, NE. She then moved to Washington, DC where she began work as a civilian employed with the United States Department of Defense. Mardi spent many years of her career as a federal employee supporting ranking officials in the Army and Air Force in Denver, CO, Colorado Springs, CO, and Stuttgart, Germany.

Mardi’s love of her family and friends was a big part of who she was; and she was very proud of her son Jeffrey, daughter-in-law Molly, and grandchildren Morgan and Jake. Her enthusiasm cheering on her son and grandchildren at sporting events was an ever present force for their teams, and she cherished the time that she could spend doing so. Mardi also cherished time with friends, both old and new, and she had a compassionate heart for people. Mardi developed a deep faith from an early age, and inclusivity of everyone in her community and in the world was an important part of her belief system.

Mardi’s beautiful smile, sense of humor, and contagious laughter brightened countless spaces; and it may have even cleared a few rooms over the years, too. Her sense of adventure led her to travel to and live in other states and eventually other countries, but Mardi always made it a point to return to Iowa to visit family and friends and revisit her roots. Mardi’s quick wit and zest for life turned so many simple gatherings into festive occasions.

Mardi is survived by her son Jeffrey and daughter-in-law Molly Dudash of Aurora, CO; granddaughter Morgan (Austin) Baker of Castle Pines, CO, and grandson Jake Dudash of Aurora, CO; sister Faye Stover Petersen of Urbandale, IA; niece Sheri (Jay) Bro of Ames, IA, nephew Matt (Amanda) Petersen of Grimes, IA, and niece Amber (Chris Cook) Petersen of Des Moines, IA; six great nieces and two great nephews. Mardi is preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Elma Stover; her sister Myrna Seper; her brother-in-law Jerry Seper; and her nephew Shawn Froning.

Mardi’s love and legacy will live on in the hearts of her family and friends, and she will be deeply missed.