Ardeen Woodworth Fredrick, an NAU English professor from 1961 to her retirement in 1990, died Jan. 7, 2008, in Flagstaff. She was 77.
Mrs. Fredrick, known for her commitment to teaching English composition skills to first-year students, believed those skills were the building blocks for a successful future.
She was born Jan. 3, 1931, in Pittsfield, Ill., to Max and Jeraldine Woodworth. She received her master’s degree in special education from the University of Missouri in 1953.
Mrs. Fredrick was an active member of the volunteer service organizations Epsilon Sigma Alpha International and the Gamma Beta Chapter of Flagstaff. She was a volunteer for the American Cancer Society and the Senior Olympics. She also lent her time to numerous Christian and city organizations and was a member of the Flagstaff Federated Community Church.
For 26 years, she coped with Parkinson’s disease through physical therapy, which helped her remain active. Her hobbies included writing, watching birds from her back window and teaching.
Mrs. Fredrick is survived by her husband, James; son Michael Fredrick (Amy); daughter Kathryn “Kitty” Fredrick (Nathan Hardy); sister Gerry Franklin (Riley); and four grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations for Parkinson’s research at Sun Health Research Institute, 10515 W. Santa Fe Drive, Sun City, AZ, 85351 or the Flagstaff Federated Community Church Organ Fund, 400 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff, AZ. Send family condolences to www.norvelowensmortuary.com.