Ethel Gullingsrud, age 92, of Mahnomen, MN, died Friday, October 12, 2012 at the Twin Valley Living Center, Twin Valley, MN.

Ethel Jessie Knowles was born on July 22, 1920 to Wilber and Katie (Sage) Knowles in Clifford, ND. As a young girl, she moved with her family to Mahnomen, MN. She attended school and graduated from Mahnomen High School. On October 26, 1940 Ethel was united in marriage to Selmer Gullingsrud in Mahnomen. The couple lived in Hibbing, MN, from 1942 until 1945, and in 1947, they purchased a farm in rural Bejou, MN. Ethel stayed very busy helping with every aspect of the farm, all the while raising their children. Following their retirement in 1971, they moved into Mahnomen. Ethel spent several years cleaning at both the Red Apple Café and at the school. Shortly after Selmer's death in 2003, Ethel moved into Valley View Apartments to make her home.

Ethel was very active in her churches, both Immanuel Lutheran while living near Bejou, and later First Lutheran in Mahnomen. In years past, Ethel and Selmer greatly enjoyed going to auctions. She was an avid quilter and loved to read. Ethel also enjoyed putting puzzles together, playing cards, and visiting. She was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary and was very helpful to the Valley View residents and visitors.

Ethel is survived by five children: Shirley (Arvid) Valen of Gary, MN, Delores (George) Miller of Mahnomen, Karen Symonds of Fargo, ND, Thomas Gullingsrud of Park Rapids, MN, and Joyce (Craig) Hagy of Moorhead, MN; three brothers: Lawrence (Sena) Knowles of Mahnomen, Ralph (Liz) Knowles of Spring Lake Park, MN, and Daniel Knowles of Texas; one sister-in-law, Mable Hassel of Twin Valley; 16 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Selmer; infant son, James Paul; four brothers, and four sisters.

Funeral Services were held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen, with Pastor Tom Pairan officiating. Serving as organist was Diane Kochmann. Serving as pallbearers were Todd Miller, Tim Miller, Ritchie Valen, Cory Valen, Samuel Siedschlag, and James J. Siedschlag. Honorary bearers were all of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her great-great-grandchild.

Visitation was at the Anderson-Mattson Funeral Home in Mahnomen from 5:00PM until 7:00pm with a Prayer Service at 6:30 on Monday, October 15, 2012.

Interment was at Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery in Mahnomen.