Jayden M. Anderson, 19, Ada, MN, died from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident on Thursday, February 25, 2021, near Nielsville, MN.

Jayden was born on September 4, 2001 at the Fosston Hospital. Numerous ultrasounds showed that she was supposed to be a boy. What a surprise for Patty to be told "You have a daughter!" as she thought of the dresser at home filled with boy clothing. Perhaps this was foreshadowing of the life of endless surprises and adventures that being Jayden's mother would provide. When Jayden was 18 months old, John Knutson, an incredible, caring man, came into her life. He became her father and loved her as his own. This relationship prompted a move to Ada where the family bought a home in the country and settled into a new life as a blended family.

On the evening of February 25th, Jayden passed away in a tragic car accident, she was 19. Jayden was funny, loving, caring, and had endless talent. Her drawings spoke loudly of how she was feeling. She had an interest in hair, makeup and nails and could change her look better than anyone we'd ever seen. Never one to shy away from the spotlight, Jayden had no problem owning her beauty. She inspired all of us to focus on the best parts of ourselves and never apologize for loving who you are. Deeply creative, she also loved art and music. She was passionate about her work as a CNA and helping people. She is remembered by her family as kind and loving with an irresistible sense of humor. She created silly nicknames for her siblings and loved to play with her many nieces and nephews. Her absence is deeply felt.

She is survived by parents, Patricia Anderson and John Knutson of Ada, MN; grandmother, Leoney Olson of Fosston, MN; siblings, Ashely (Kent) Skadsem of Duluth, MN, Chelsea (Roman) Smith of Clarksville, TN, Haven (Luke) Vandermay of Ada, MN, Cole, Travis (Jessa), and Tyler Anderson of Fargo, ND, Leah and Joanna Knutson of Moorhead, MN, and Victoria, Mason, and Landon Lakes of CA; many nieces and nephews, Peyton, Paxton, Paisley and Presleigh Smith, Brantley, Zelda, Freya and Evie Vandermay, Jaxson Anderson, and Javontae, Daesean, Daejanae, Royal and Bria Knutson. Jayden also had countless friends who she referred to as sisters, brothers, and bonus mothers.

She is preceded in death by her grandfather, Leroy Olson; great-grandmother, Anne-Marie Tino; family soul mate, Jay Johnson; and her son, Camden Sawyer.

"Grief is simply love in its most wild and painful form.  It is a natural and sane response to loss."- Megan Devine
Jayden was deeply loved and will be sorely missed.

Memorial Service : A private immediate family only memorial service will take place at 7:00 PM, Thursday, March 4, 2021 at Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home in Ada, MN, following all of the Minnesota and CDC COVID-19 social distancing guidelines. All must wear a mask to attend.

Visitation : A public walk-through visitation for extended family and friends will take place from 4:30 – 6:30 PM on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home in Ada.

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