Ardelle Viola Wells, 85, of Thief River Falls, MN passed away Sept. 27, 2010 at Hillcrest Senior Living Red Lake Falls, MN.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, October 1, 2010 at Evangelical Free Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Pastor Bruce Fisher officiating. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Thursday, September 30, 2010 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will also be held from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM on Friday at the church.

Ardelle Viola Dahl was born on December 29, 1924 to Albin and Alice (Sorum) Dahl on a farm east of Goodridge, in Marshall County, MN. She was baptized at her home in the Christian faith on Dec. 25, 1925. Ardelle attended the Big Grove Grade School from first through eighth grade. She attended Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls for her freshman year of school and continued her education at Goodridge High School graduating in 1942.

Ardelle was united in marriage to Raymond Wells on February 14, 1943. They had three daughters, Valerie, Jacquelynn and Genneil. Ray and Ardelle began their life together on a farm in the Goodridge area. Because Ray was drafted into the service in 1944, Ardelle moved into Thief River Falls and began working at the Ben Franklin Dime Store. She also did volunteer work for the Red Cross while Ray was overseas. After completing his tour of duty they made their home in the Goodridge area. After Ray contracted polio on January 17, 1953, at the age of 32 the family moved to Thief River Falls. Ardelle took care of Ray until he passed away on November 7, 1974. She was employed by Northern Produce Hatchery and Flower Shop, Arctic Cat, Northwestern Hospital, and Digi-Key Corporation.

Ardelle enjoyed making quilts for her grandchildren, playing cards, wahoo and shaking dice, watching her favorite TV shows and visiting with her family and friends. She looked forward to weekly shopping trips with her daughter.

Preceded in death by her husband Raymond on November 7, 1974. Her parents; Albin and Alice, brothers; Elwood (in infancy), Alhert and Orville.

Survived by daughters: Valerie (Emil) Hageman, Loveland, CO; Jaci (Jesse) Adkins, Twin Valley, MN, Geno (Paul) Johnson, Thief River Falls, MN; grandchildren: Shawn (Laura) Belland, Cheri Belland, Dawn Gossett, Jennifer (David) Nerud, Bridget (Daniel) Stewart, Mandy (Norm) Gallant, Melanie (Todd) Johnson-Haase, Michelle (Joaquin) Westerman; great-grandchildren: Shawn II and Alexander (Tosca) Belland, Paige Gosset, Ashley Koskela, Grace and Madelyn Gallant, Conner and Hayden Johnson-Haase, Carsten Westerman, Natasha (Ken) Climo, Tiffany and Dakota Nerud; great-great grandchildren: Kingston Belland, Adrian Climo; sisters-in-law: Ursula Dahl, Elsie Dahl, Virgie Wells, Iva Wells; and brother-in-law: Bernie Wells; and many other relatives and friends.

Ardelle passed peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Monday, September 27, 2010 at Hillcrest Senior Living in Red Lake Falls, Minnesota at the age of 85 years, 8 months and 29 days. May her memory be blessed.