Pearl Ruth Holland, 96, Shelly, MN, passed away Tuesday, January 28, 2014, at Halstad Living Center, Halstad, MN. Pearl Ruth Johnson was born February 1, 1917, at home, near Buxton, ND. Her parents were Adolph and Eunice (Hoie) Johnson. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bennitt, two sisters Edith Rustall and Edna Merkins and a brother Franklin Johnson.

Pearl was united in marriage to Bennitt Joseph Holland on July 8, 1937, at Park Rapids, MN. They made their home at Shelly and operated the home farm near Shelly for a number of years. Bennitt preceded Pearl in death in 1993. Pearl and Bennitt travelled the world extensively to Egypt, China, Canada, Mexico, Europe (including Scandinavia) and coast to coast in the U.S. including Alaska and Hawaii. Pearl loved gardening, sewing and cooking. In earlier days, she took classes in ceramics and rosemaling. She was head cook for the Shelly Elementary School for over 25 years and often reminisced fondly about all the kids she had fed over that time. Many of those "kids" have stayed in touch with her over the years. Pearl continued to travel and live in her home until becoming a resident of the Halstad Living Center in June of 2009.

Pearl is survived by her six children: Bennitt Pernell Holland (Peggy) of Gilbert, AZ., Elizabeth Handberg (Gordon) of Stevensville, MT., Delwin Roger Holland (Joan) of Prineville, OR., Ruth Fielis (Peter) of Orange, CA., Elodie Nelson (Ronald) of Perley, MN., and Dana Steward Holland (Connie) of Ottumwa, IA. She also leaves 8 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.


Funeral: 10:30AM, Saturday, May 3, 2014, in Shelly Marsh River Lutheran Church, Shelly, MN.

Visitation: One hour before the service at the church.

Burial: Shelly Cemetery.

Memorials are preferred toward the upkeep and maintenance of the Shelly Marsh River Lutheran Church Cemetery in Pearl Holland's name for this designated purpose.