Harriet A. Hovland, 88, of Ada, MN, died Wednesday, December 20, 2017, at the Halstad Living Center, Halstad, MN.

Harriet Anne (nee Johnson) Hovland was born and baptized on March 4, 1929, in Detroit Lakes to J. Emil and Alma (Mikkelson) Johnson. Harriet and her twin sister, Helen, were called "The Hoover Twins" as their birthdate was inauguration day; Harriet was born first while Coolidge was President. Helen was born after noon after Hoover had taken the oath of office.

Harriet attended District 7 and District 28 county schools in Becker County and graduated from Detroit Lakes High School in 1947. She worked for the Detroit Lakes Record newspaper as the Society Reporter/Proof Reader until her marriage to Floyd Hovland of Ada on June 12, 1950. Harriet and Floyd met at the fair and the Merry-Go-Round was a special symbol of their meeting. Harriet returned to the Detroit Lakes Record for a short period when Floyd was recalled into the Navy during the Korean War. She and Floyd lived in New Orleans while he was stationed there, returning to Ada upon his discharge. Harriet spoke fondly of her time in New Orleans.

Harriet worked for Norman County ASCS office for over 30 years. She helped three generations of Norman County farmers, stating that at her retirement she was working with the grandchildren of the farmers when she first started. She then worked for Bennett Houglum Agency for several more years before retiring.

Harriet was very active her whole life, serving in the community, her church, and the VFW and American Legion Auxiliaries. She volunteered in many ways, including at the Fargo VA.

Harriet had a life-long love of learning and loved books. She loved conversations and time spent with family and friends. She loved drop-in visitors, one-on-one conversations, coffee, good food, milk chocolate-not dark chocolate, laughter, politics, and life in general. But the center of her life was her beloved husband Floyd and her miracle baby Linda. She loved both of them unconditionally.

Harriet is survived by her daughter Linda (Shannon) Gilbertson, Thief River Falls, MN; grandson, Logan Gilbertson also of Thief River Falls, sisters-in-law, Jan Shaw, Ada, MN; Patricia (Frankie) Walker, Moorhead, MN; Barbara Johnson, Eagen, MN; brothers-in-law, Dwight (Aurora) Hovland, Anchorage, AK; Wayne Hovland, Grand Island, NE; and Raymond Bitker, Detroit Lakes, MN; many nieces and nephews, her beloved cat Pumpkin; and her equally beloved Visser Family. She was preceded in death by her husband Floyd, parents J. Emil and Alma Johnson, two brothers, Maurice and Lowell Johnson, twin sister Helen Lundberg, sisters-in-law Vera (Hovland) Bitker and Naomi (Hovland) Aanenson and Wanda (Hanson) Hovland, brothers-in-law  George Lundberg,  Glen Shaw, Keith Hovland, Lynn Hovland and Arthur Aanenson.

The world has lost a beautiful soul and Heaven has gained a beautiful angel.

We would like to thank the Halstad Living Center and Hospice of the Red River Valley for the excellent, loving care Harriet received.

Funeral: 11:00AM Friday, December 29, 2017, at Grace Lutheran Church, Ada, MN.

Visitation: One hour before the service at the church.

Burial: Ada Municipal Cemetery, Ada, MN.