Ardith Jean Runck, (né Fladland), 86, of Twin Valley, MN, passed from this world on Thursday evening, June 18, 2020 into the arms of her God.

Born to Earl and Gertrude Fladland on October 17, 1933 in Detroit Lakes, MN. Ardith grew up on a farm with her two sisters and a brother until she was 14. When she graduated from the 8th grade, she was proud to be asked to perform a piano duet - "Country Gardens" - with Joy Ann Haverkamp at the Becker County All Rural School Commencement Ceremony in 1948. After her 8th grade graduation from the Ogema school, this stylish young lady moved from her childhood farm to Detroit Lakes. She later moved on to Mahnomen, MN, with her sister. Ardith worked at a local café and met the love her life, Chester. The couple was united in marriage on April 8, 1951 in Detroit Lakes, MN. Shortly after their marriage, they purchased the farm east of Twin Valley, near Faith, MN. It was there that they made their home, raised their family, and farmed the land for over 50 years. Ardith took pride in being a farmer's wife and the mother of her four children. Her reputation as a hard worker carried over into everything she did. One of her talents was raising geese, ducks, and chickens which was subject in a few newspaper articles. When she developed arthritis in 1973, she had to give up her job at the local grocery store and eventually had to stop raising poultry. A memorable line from one of these newspaper articles says it all: " She spent the majority of her sixty years dealing with the birds, but enough is enough."

While her chronic arthritic pain may have put a stop to her careers, Ardith never let it slow her down. Turning her attention to crafting and community service, she learned how to use a knitting machine to make colorful sweaters, mittens, hats, blankets, and dish cloths. She became a popular and well-known fixture in the local arts and crafts show circuit. Her grandchildren were always delighted by her creative use of color in the knitted gifts they received from her every year at Christmas. Ardith enjoyed her role as the Faith Township Treasurer for several years, and to say that she was the epitome of a "Church Lady" is, quite frankly, understating things. A faithful and friendly parishioner at Twin Valley Trinity Lutheran Church, Ardith loved her church community and spent a great deal of time there. She attended weekly bible study, participated in a quilting group, and had the key to the church kitchen. She was often found in the kitchen during all church events. In the fall of 2004, Ardith and Chester moved into Twin Valley to make their home at The Valley Pines Apartments. After her husband died in 2006, she became President of the Senior Citizens Club and for 13 years she made coffee every morning for the Valley Pines Coffee Group. In 2018, she was proud to be made a Ladies Aide Honoree Member.

Ardith's family and friends will remember her as a loving, kind, ever-cheerful woman with an easy laugh. She loved sparkly jewelry and bright lipstick, knew the value of a polyester pantsuit and a sensible pair of shoes. She made every birthday special for her loved ones with one of her beautiful birthday cakes. She was famous for her Christmas pretzels and Sally Ann cookies. She was a friendly neighbor and a loyal and devoted friend. She was an attentive wife, loving mother, and the best grandmother any child could ask for. Ardith was a selfless woman. She was dedicated to lifting up her church and community. Ardith would spend more time praying and caring for others then she would for herself. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Ardith is survived by two daughters: Colleen (David) Carter of Cable, WI, and Roslyn (Kevin) Becicka of Bloomington, MN; one son, Colin (Luanne) Runck of Beaver Dam, WI; six grandchildren; Kris (Rebecca) Carter, Amber Carter, Dan Carter, Kristine Willey, Melanie Becicka and Carey Becicka; four great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and many close friends. As one friend would say, "God made us good friends because he knew our Mom couldn't handle us as sisters." She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Gertrude; her beloved husband of 55 years, Chester; two sisters and one brother; a beloved 11-year-old son, Gaylin; and her dear grandson, William.

A Graveside Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 26, 2020, at Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery, Mahnomen, MN. Visitation will be held one hour before at the cemetery.