Watch Ardette's Funeral Service

Ardette Bisson, age 90, of Detroit Lakes, MN, died on Sunday, February 14, 2021, at St. Mary's Essentia Hospital in Detroit Lakes.

Ardette Theron Bisson was born February 4, 1931, in White Earth, MN, the daughter of Clark and Emma (Kuchynka) Bisson.  Her grade school years were spent at Ogema Public School followed by graduation from Waubun High School with the class of 1949.  Shortly after graduation, Ardette was united in marriage to Jennings Borah.  The couple started a family and were blessed with six children.  They made their home in the Ogema, MN, area before moving to Milwaukee, WI, for a time then relocating back to the Detroit Lakes area in 1953.  In the late 1960's, Ardette attended the technical college in Detroit Lakes and received her LPN degree.  She worked as a nurse at St. Mary's Hospital in Detroit Lakes for a number of years before moving to White Earth in 1974 to make her home.  While living in White Earth, Ardette worked at the Ogema Liquor Hall, at the detox center and then for the ambulance service.  She was very instrumental in getting the White Earth Ambulance Service up and running on the reservation.  She herself, had to take classes to become a certified EMT and then also to become an instructor.  Upon receiving her certification, Ardette began teaching first aid classes in reservation communities and she also taught all the White Earth volunteers their EMT Classes so they could join the newly formed White Earth Ambulance Service.

Later in life, she became fondly known as "Grandma Ardette" as she worked for many years as a Foster Grandparent at the Ogema School and then at the Callaway Boys and Girls Club.  While at the school, Ardette implemented the Ogema Early Bird Walkers, encouraging students to become active by walking.  She was a patient and caring individual who enjoyed visiting with people and partaking in each community she called home.  Ardette also enjoyed reading and going to the casino, mostly to people watch. She loved chocolate, especially chocolate licorice.  Ardette was a member of St. Columba Episcopal Church in White Earth and the Ogema VFW Auxiliary.

Ardette is survived by one daughter, Susan (Wayne) Hanks of Ogema; two sons, Floyd Borah of Detroit Lakes, and Wade (Karen) Borah also of Ogema; 29 grandchildren; many great and great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Clayton Bisson of Freemont, CA; and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; three children: Beth Ott, Earl Borah and Kevin Borah; two granddaughters, Kelsey Borah and Jessica Hanks; and two brothers, Seldon Bisson and Keith Bisson.

Blessed be the memory of Ardette Bisson.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, February 19, 2021 at noon at the White Earth Community Center, White Earth, MN. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service. Burial will be held in the Ogema City Cemetery.

Following all Covid-19 safety protocols, social distancing will be practiced, and all must wear a mask to participate. The Funeral Service will be recorded and available on our website shortly after the service.

Please feel free to sign the guestbook, send condolences and view other opportunities which may be available to the public due to COVID-19 restrictions.