To view the flowers from Ardis’ service, click here: Ardis Burtness Flowers
Ardis Mae Burtness, 90, Minot, died Thursday, September 15, 2022 in a Minot Assisted Living Center.
Ardis was born May 11, 1932 in Bottineau, North Dakota, the daughter of Theodore and Mildred (Slattery) Larson. She was raised on a farm near Newburg and graduated from Newburg High School in 1950. She completed an associates degree and then taught in rural schools in Scandia Township and also Sherman Township, both in Bottineau County.
While teaching in Sherman Township School she met the love of her life, a handsome young Leland that lived just one mile from the school. They were married on Dec. 20, 1954. They farmed and started a family of four children on the Burtness farm near Antler. After the birth of her children, Ardis drove daily to Minot to complete her Bachelor’s degree in Education. The family then moved to a beach home in Marysville, WA, where she taught for 3 years.
After returning to live in North Dakota, they moved to Minot in 1971, where she taught in the Minot School system for 20 years. She retired in 1991. Leland passed away in 2007.
Ardis was a member of Saron Lutheran Church, south of Minot, where she was active in WELC, bible study, and sang in the church choir. She enjoyed her aquacise class at the YMCA. She and Leland enjoyed traveling in the motorhome and camping with the Good Sam RV Club.
She enjoyed gardening, canning, sewing and reading. However, the most important facet of her life was caring for her husband, children and grandchildren. Blessed be her memory.
Her loving family includes, children, Wynne (Cyndi) Burtness, Minot, Ula (Larry) Widdel, Minot, Brenda (Dale) Pietsch, Minot and Barry Burtness, Minot; 8 grandchildren: Amy (Matt) Schaefer, Jason (Amie) Burtness, Lee (Jessinta) Widdel, Cindy Widdel, Sara (Dean) Beaudrie, Bobbi Widdel, Amynda (Jason) Behm, and John (Karen) Pietsch; 13 great grandchildren: Jacob and Grace Schaefer, Jasmyn Burtness, Orin, Elida, Etta and Jents Widdel, Kendra Harrington, Josie Allard, Laurae and Kate Beaudrie, and Karl and Jameson Behm; 1 great great grandchild: Leera Rhoades; several nieces and nephews.
Ardis was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 53 years, Leland; grandson, C.J. Widdel and a brother, Allen Larson.
Celebration of Life service: 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 21, 2022 in Saron Lutheran Church, Rural Minot.
Visitation: At her request, there will not be a viewing, however friends may sign a memorial register book on Tuesday, September 20th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Interment: Saron Lutheran Cemetery, Rural Minot.
