Ardis Stenbakken retired the end of 2004 from being director of the Women’s Ministries Department at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. She and her husband live in Loveland, Colorado, where she continues to edit the Women’s Ministries devotional book series, take speaking appointments, write, and other Women’s Ministries and church assignments.

Stenbakken was responsible for providing leadership for Women’s Ministries around the world for ten years; she acted as a liaison for women in the Church, promoting spiritual growth and training for outreach ministry and nurture. During her leadership the church voted to observe a yearly Abuse Prevention Emphasis Sabbath. She was a member of dozens of General Conference committees, including the General Conference Executive Committee.

In 2002, Mrs. Stenbakken was chosen as one of Andrews University’s 100 Outstanding Women of the Century, and in 2005 was chosen by the Association of Adventist Women as a Women of the Year.

As a pastor’s child, Mrs. Stenbakken has lived many places, including China, the Philippines, and Canada.

Mrs. Stenbakken’s husband, Richard, is a pastor; He served almost 24 years as a chaplain in the US Army, and then as director of all the chaplaincy ministries for the Seventh-day Adventist church. They have two grown children, both married, and four grandchildren.

If she ever has spare time, Mrs. Stenbakken likes to read, do cross-stitching, quilting, or oil painting.