Ardith E. Peterson

Ardith Evon (Nodsle) Peterson passed away Tuesday, March 12th at the age of 80, with her family by her side.  Ardith (Ardee) was born to Henry and Thea Nodsle on December 13th, 1943, she was the youngest of their nine children.  They raised her on a farm south of Hitterdal, MN where she learned the value of hard work and began a lifelong commitment to her faith, family, and farming.

Ardee was baptized and confirmed in Lutheran faith.  She graduated from Hitterdal High School in 1961.  In May of 1963, Ardee married her soulmate, LeRoy Peterson at Eksjo Lutheran church by Lake Park, MN.  Her first job was working as a dental assistant in Hawley, MN until they started their family.  Ardee and LeRoy raised three children on the dairy and grain farm.  They were proud to be owners of a family operated Century Farm.  In 2001, they received the Valley Farmer and Homemaker award for Clay County.

Ardee was an active member of Highland Grove Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School for over forty years.  She was an avid quilter and enjoyed participating in Ladies Aid and Circle gatherings. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxillary for numerous years.  In 2008, they joined Salem Lutheran Church in Hitterdal, MN where she remained active in many areas, especially quilting, which became her winter past time activity.

Once her children were older, Ardee began working part- time jobs in the area.  She spent 26 years working beet harvest for American Crystal Sugar where she greeted the truck drivers with her friendly smile.  She also worked at Country Furniture in Lake Park, MN and for Pioneer Research in Moorhead, MN.  She would often say to her children, “No grass grows under my feet!”  Anyone who knew Ardee, knows that this describes her perfectly.

Family was the center of Ardee's life.  She found joy in attending every school and sporting event for her children and grandchildren.  She provided after-school daycare for her grandchildren for numerous years and was famous for her chocolate chip cookies.  Ardee also loved spending time in her gardens.  She raised a variety of flowers, but tulips and lilies were her favorite.  

She is survived by her husband, LeRoy; their children, Gregory Peterson (Hitterdal, MN), Gary (Melissa) Peterson (Lake Park, MN) and Jeralyn Peterson (Fargo, ND); six grandchildren, Troy (Amelia), Tyra (Devante Bell), Trey, Haidyn, Karsyn, and Rylan Peterson; and four great-grandchilden;siblings, Carol Meyer, Beverly Schultz, Donna (Gene) Tangen and Diane (Waldo) Syverson; sister-in-law, Gwen Nodsle; and numerous neices and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant son and daughters Julie and Jayne; sisters, June Carol Nodsle, Lorraine Nelson, Darlene Braseth; a brother, John Nodsle and brother-in-laws, Donald Nelson, Nathan Meyer, Lyle Schultz, and Owen Braseth.

Visitation: Sunday, March 17, 2024, from 5:00 to 6:30 P.M. with a prayer service beginning at 6:30 P.M., at Salem Lutheran Church in Hitterdal, MN. Funeral Service: Monday, March 18, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at the church. Interment: Highland Grove Cemetery.

Memorials are preferred to Highland Grove Cemetery or Salem Lutheran Church.