Ardella Skonseng
September 18, 1916 ~ September 22, 2013
Ardella Genevieve Skonseng, 97, passed away on Sunday, September 22, 2013 at Bethany Retirement Living. She was born on September 18, 1916 to Christ and Ella (Anderson) Bjone in Litchfield, North Dakota. On March 1, 1940 she married Arthur Skonseng at Standing Rock Lutheran Church, Fort Ransom, North Dakota.
She worked as a daycare provider for many years until her retirement.
Art and Ardella lived at Trollwood Village for nine years before moving to Bethany Towers I in 2008.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Art.
She is survived by her daughters, Judy (Robert) Walker, West Palm Beach, FL and Joan (Douglas) Zuehlsdorff, LaPorte, MN; four grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Hans and Lyle Bjone.
Silver Spring MDHello Judy, Hello Joanie
I am so sorry to learn about your mother’s passing.
It’s really hard to lose your Mom. I know I felt like an orphan after my Mom died. I suppose that’s how we all feel when we lose our last parent.
Love to both of you and your families.
Marian
My wife (Ruth Black) was one of the children Ardella (Nana) took care of from the time she was born until she was around 9 years old. It’s obvious to me from how Ruth talks about her, that she cared for her as dearly as one would a beloved Grandmother.
I recall my mother-in-law telling the story about meeting Ardella for the first time to discuss providing day care for her girls. She said it felt a bit like she was the one being interviewed. Heh.
But she must have passed Nana’s test, because the girls were both placed into Nana’s loving hands.
To her family, I’m sorry for your loss, but grateful for the time Ruth spent with her Nana, for I believe it was nearly as important as the influence of her mother and father in molding the woman I married 32 years ago.
Kevin Black
Avon INDear Family of Ardella
I lived on North 10th St in Fargo just 2 blocks from Peace Lutheran Church, I was also a member of Peace and on many Sundays after services both Art & Ardella would come to me,”did you walk over today?” Yes, then we are giving you a ride home, the sidewalks are too icy and it is cold. They both were such wonderful people Always talked with Don and me no matter where they saw us. Such friendly people and they would do anything for you.
Don passed away in 2009 and in 2011 my kids decided I needed to be close to family so they moved me to Avon, In. (Indianapolis) so it has been some time since I had a chance to visit with Ardella.
We also knew her brother Lyle and his family. My thoughts and Prayers are with you and May God put his Loving arms around you and give you comfort.
God Bless you.
Florence Liekhus
Fargo Judy and Joan & Family,
Our families enjoyed so much time together. Especially, I think, when Judy and Joan and my siblings were young. Mom & Dad and Art & Ardella spent many evenings playing whist when I was growing up. Lots of laughter and lots of stories, and some Norsk thrown in for good measure. And Ardella’s ringekake!
My thoughts echo those of others Ardella was about as nice a person as you could ever imagine, and she had a special way with kids. She always made me feel good.
My condolences for your loss.
Brad Henrikson
Youngest son of Harold & Harriet
Fargo ND
Nana was my baby sitter and an important role model. I don’t even remember how old I was before I realized her name was Ardella and not Nana, and that I was in day care. I thought everyone went to a place like Nana’s and found it odd that my three closest friends in the neighborhood did not. 🙂 What I’m trying to say is that I’m lucky to have known her and to have been taken care of in a way that made me feel like I had two homes. I miss Nana very much. I’ll always keep her memory in my heart and the lessons learned from her in my deeds.
Ruth
West Fargo ND
Dear Family of Ardella –
I have such fond memories of Ardella from our time on Franklin Lake. She was a wonderful grandma figure in my life as a child and a great friend to my grandparents, Paul and Rachel Dutt. I saw her last at Art’s funeral. My sisters and I are very sorry for your loss.
Kari DuBord
Kris Kiesling
Kay Maust