Ardeth (Voss) Paternoster of Menomonee Falls, WI passed away at home on August 31, 2026 at the age of 90. Beloved wife of the late Oliver “Pat” Paternoster. Loving mother of son, Scott (Sharon) Paternoster, and daughter, Lee Paternoster. Proud grandmother to Randy (Emily) Paternoster and Josh (Ali) Paternoster and great grandmother to Carter, Camille, Hudson and Olivia. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Laura (Bridge) Voss and her cherished siblings Dorothy Guenther, Eleanor Thompson, Robert Voss and Richard Voss. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, faith, and unwavering love for her family and friends.

Ardeth was born and raised in Mercer, WI. She surely developed some of her trademark tenacity from growing up during the depression in the north woods. She graduated as the salutatorian from Mercer High School in 1954. She soon moved to Milwaukee where she met Oliver. They were married on September 14, 1957, and remained happily married for 59 years before Oliver’s passing in 2016.

They bought a small house in Sussex to raise their small family. A supreme homemaker, Ardeth created a warm and welcoming environment and the small home became a gathering spot for their large extended family and friends. Oliver was a prolific gardener and Ardeth created delicious home cooked meals, specializing in Italian food. Anyone was welcome to drop by at dinner time and Ardeth always managed with grace. The table was often full and there was always laughter. While raising her children, she volunteer as the clinic aid at their schools and worked part-time at JC Penney for 24 years.

In addition to raising her children, Ardeth was a great lover of animals. Many dogs, free kittens, and even a duck showed up at her doorstep. All were welcomed and loved. She was strong in her faith and lived her convictions. She was a compassionate friend and excellent listener.  In her free time, Ardeth also enjoyed biking with her friends on the many rails to trails in WI, gardening, playing cards, and attending festivals.

Ardeth and Oliver truly made the most of their retirement! They were active grandparents and attended many of Josh and Randy’s sporting events. They travelled and became snow birds, settling in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Here they enjoyed their winters and were able to spend lots of time with her siblings who lived near by. They continued to make new friends, garden, and host family.

After Oliver passed, she moved to a senior apartment in Menomonee Falls. True to form, she created a welcoming home where family continued to gather. She made good friends, a beautiful flower garden, and she felt truly blessed.

A visitation will be held September 12, 2026 at Schmidt &Bartelt Funeral home, N84 W17937 Menomonee Ave. in Menomonee Falls, WI from 1p.m.until the time of Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude Children's Hospital or the American Cancer Society appreciated.