Ethel Sterton, age 86, of Ada, MN, formerly Hendrum, MN, died Saturday, October 22, 2011 at Bridges Care Community in Ada.

Ethel Delores Fjeld was born August 5, 1925, the daughter of Carl and Gulborg (Martinson) Fjeld in Fossum Township near Faith, MN. She was baptized and confirmed her faith at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Faith. As a youngster, Ethel attended country school there, and two years in the Mahnomen School District. She was the fifth of nine children born to Carl and Goldberg. Coming from a large family, Ethel chose to get her first job at a young age as a waitress in Twin Valley. She worked at various jobs over the years, including the drug store in Ada, before retiring from her working career. After a courtship of two years, Ethel was united in marriage to Owen Sterton at St. Olaf Lutheran Church on September 6, 1953. The couple made their home in Hendrum, MN their entire married life, until entering the Bridges Care Community in December of 2010.

The couple enjoyed traveling with family including Owen's Uncle, Carroll Rogness, as well as taking several trips to Branson, the Carolinas and California. Ethel's favorite past times included crocheting, gardening and was very well known for serving up a fresh pie when you stopped by for coffee. She enjoyed playing a nightly card game of Spite and Malice with Owen. Family was very important to Ethel and she truly treasured the time she spent with Owen, her children and grandchildren.

Ethel is survived by her husband of 58 years, Owen of Ada; a son, Michael (Kris) Sterton of Ada; a daughter, Kimberly (Steve) Fisher of Hudson, WI; grandchildren, Alivia, Christian and Alexander Sterton and Graham and Sylvia Fisher; two brothers, Stanley (Eleanor) Fjeld and Donald (Laura) Fjeld all of Twin Valley, MN; a brother-in-law, Dick Norum and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and three sisters.

Funeral Services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 28, 2011 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Hendrum. Visitation was held Thursday, October27, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with a Prayer Service beginning at 6:30 p.m., all at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Hendrum. Officiating was Pastor Sandra Hollands with Lorraine Jossund serving as organist and Susan Green and Michael Sterton serving as vocalists. Pallbearers were David Fjeld, Dennis Fjeld, Cliff Fjeld, Jr., Wayne Kroshus, Carl Fjeld and Andy Fjeld. Honorary pallbearers were Peter Rogness, Lyle Fjeld, Roger Fjeld, Marv Gunderson, Jr., Jerry Fjeld, Roger Fjeld, Danny Fjeld, Rick Kroshus, Ron Kroshus, Bob Norum, Jim Norum and Brad Norm.

Interment was in Pontoppidan Lutheran Cemetery, rural Hendrum.