Dennis L. Ade, 82, passed away peacefully in Salina, Kansas on December 6, 2025.
Dennis was born on April 8, 1943, in Salina. He was the son of Ezra and Virginia (Mason) Ade. He attended Carlton Grade School and graduated from Dickinson County Community High School, Chapman, Ks in 1961. He graduated with a business administration degree in 1962 from Brown-Mackie School of Business, Salina.
During his childhood and teenage years, Dennis was a member of the Carlton Trailblazers 4-H Club, Carlton. He was a winner of the following: one of six state 4-H Home Improvement; a National 4-H Beautification of Home Grounds, Who’s Who Key Award; The Danforth Award Winner; and wrote a featured a story, which placed third in K.H.S. State Journalism contest.
After graduating from Brown Mackie, he worked at Communication Services, Junction City, Ks. Dennis moved to Hutchinson in 1976 where he worked for Cable TV, Hutchinson Floral and Gifts, and Don’s Custom Floral. Dennis was a very talented person.
His true love and craftmanship was working with flowers of which he made beautiful arrangements. Dennis would always present his mother with a beautiful, one-of-a-kind, Mother’s Day corsage. Dennis’ talent for original and unique arrangements led him to many national contests.
Dennis Ade (AIFD, KAFA, CFD) biggest accomplishment was when he was inducted into the American Institute of Floral Designers. (AIFD) Dennis started his career as a floral designer in 1980 working part time at Hutchinson Floral and Gifts. In 1983 he graduated from the Stuppy’s School of Floral Design. His career as a floral designer started after that. He worked as a designer for 25 years at Don’s Custom Floral. His competitive nature drove him to many competitions throughout the mid-west. He placed in over 25 design competitions in the Midwest including: Kansas Designer of the Year, Top Designer at the Ozark Floral Design competition, and First place at Ne-Mo-Kan, a tri state floral convention. He was a selected member of the Kansas Affiliated Floral Artists (KAFA) and for many years served on their board of Directors. In 1999 he entered a national design competition and won the People’s Choice Award. The following year he was selected to enter again and won First Place in the very prestigious Carik Cup national design competition.
In 2001, after rigid competition and presentations, he was selected by an elite panel of national designers, to become a member of the American Institute of Floral Designers, (AIFD) the highest, most select group of designers in the nation. After that he became a national Certified Floral Designer (CFD). Through the years several of his designs appeared in national floral publications including twice selected as one of the top 12 in the FTD national cup competition.
Dennis was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church, Carlton, Ks. He loved playing the organ for church. Dennis also learned how to play the saxophone – as his love for music was one many talents he shared. Dennis loved Christmas and would enjoy decorating church and homes for people. The Ade family dog, Deva, (named after Dennis, Ezra & Virginia) was so loved by Dennis. Family and friends all knew that Deva was his special dog.
Dennis’ love for his family led him to help gather information for Gypsum, Carlton, Elmo, and Holland history books. Dennis was the family historian. He kept meticulous records for the Ade, Mason, Reiff, Meyer and Schulz families – as he was related to all of them. Dennis loved to organize and help with the family reunions. He also organized the Woodlawn Cemetery Memorial Day service for many years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ezra & Virginia Ade, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Survivors include many cousins and friends.
Services will be Monday, December 15, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. the First Baptist Church, 807 Spring St, Gypsum, Ks. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be an hour before the funeral at 9:30 at the church.
Memorials may be made to Gentiva Hospice in care of Ryan Mortuary; 137 N. 8th St; Salina, Ks 67401.