Bernice Emelia Sannes, 90, Fertile, MN, died Monday, January 30, 2017, at Fair Meadow Nursing Home, Fertile. She was born on March 18, 1926, to John and Ida (Bennes) Ashling in Garden Township, East of Fertile, MN. Bernice attended school near her home. In 1942, Bernice moved to Fertile and worked until she married.

On September 27, 1947, Bernice married Ray Sannes in Fertile. She worked candling eggs and at Sonie's Café both of Fertile. For most of her adult life, Bernice cared for the home and her family. She was a longtime member of Concordia Lutheran Church, Fertile, and active in its Circles and WELCA. Her daughter, Sheila, died in 2002 and her husband, Ray, died in 2009.
Bernice was fun to be around; she had a great sense of humor! Canning vegetables from the garden gave her a lot of satisfaction-- her family especially remembers the "mouthwatering" pickles. Cross Stitching and Crocheting were hobbies she enjoyed. During the Polk County Fair, Bernice worked making pies for the Concordia food stand. Bernice appreciated her life and all the experiences that touched her heart. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bernice is survived by a son, Grant Sannes, Fertile; son-in-law, Mike (Bunnie) Messelt, Fargo, ND; two granddaughters: Jill (Cody) Miller and Molly (Chad) Olson, and four great-grandchildren: Savannah Miller, Ashleigh Miller, Chase Olson and Charley Olson; one sister, Hazel Nelson, Fertile; a Sister-in-law, Dora Olson, Ada, MN; brother-in-law, Kenneth (Shirley) Sannes, Fertile; and many nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Ray, daughter, Sheila Messelt and, brothers, Walter Ashling and Lester "Bud" Ashling.

Funeral: 11 AM Friday, February 3, 2017, Concordia Lutheran Church, Fertile, MN.

Visitation: One hour before the service at the Concordia Lutheran Church, Fertile, MN.

Burial: Concordia Lutheran Cemetery, Fertile, MN.