"Baby Doll" singer dies

Ardis Wells

Mom's fun-loving nationally-famous neighbor at the Edgewood Vista in Alexandria has passed away at age 95. Ardis Wells sparkled whenever there was a special activity at the home.
She was born into a circus family, was lead singer of an all-girl band, a pro wrestler, dog musher and much more; she recorded the hit rockabilly single, "Baby Doll," in 1960. You could easily see she still loved the excitement of the limelight in her later years, never losing her zest for life.  

She recently moved to the Knute Nelson Home in Alexandria where she died. A Memorial service is planned for tomorrow at Anderson Funeral Home.

We met her five years ago at Mom's "Senior Prom" and wrote a little story then about her famous past. Click here to read it.  It includes a video clip we made that has attracted over 1200 viewers, many are fans from her era.

We'll watch for the obituary of this extraordinary woman in the local paper and publish it when it appears.

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Here's a note from Jimmy Jenson:

Jimmy and Ardis
promotional photo

I joined Ardis' band in about 1960, later she worked for me. I bought a supper club in Alexandria in 1967. I asked Ardis if she would like to move to Alex too and we would perform at the club. Living up here and in the country, she was able to pursue her dreams of dog sled racing. We remained close all of 55 years. 

Jimmy Jenson
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Who is Jimmy Jenson? Here's what it says on Jimmy's website:

Jimmy Jenson has been playing music for audiences for more than 60 years. Starting in the Fargo, Moorhead area in the late 40s with the "Minnesota Woodchoppers" then a couple years at WDAY TV. Went on to record Scandinavian humor, 7 albums. He went on the road with The Lynn Neely band, later taking his own band thoughout the midwest. He purchased a supper club in Alexandria Mn. in the 60s, making his home there.

Jimmy & Helen had 5 children, Kim, Suzanne, Jay, Cheryl & Mark. In 2005 Jimmy was inducted into the "Mid-America Hall of Fame, a Lifetime Achievment award.

After some serious health problems which God helped him through he decided to get into the Gospel music field. Now feeling great at 81, still rides motorcycles.