Theda A. Carlson, age 82, of Ada, Minnesota, formerly Twin Valley, Minnesota, died Monday, October 06, 2008, in her residence under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley while surrounded by her family.

Theda A. Fogleman was born September 4, 1926, the daughter of Henry and Gertrude (Hubbard) Fogleman in Twin Branch, West Virginia. Theda grew up there with her family. She attended Gauley Bridge school until she graduated from Nicholas County High School in Summersville, West Virginia. She remained there for a time until moving to Texas, where she met her future husband, Dean Carlson. Theda and Dean were united in marriage on June 17, 1955 in Olympia, Washington. The couple lived there until New Year's Day 1956, when they moved to Moorhead, Minnesota. After Dean received his Bachelors of Science degree at Moorhead State Teachers College, Dean and Theda moved to Twin Valley where they made their home for the next 45 years with a brief time in Fargo. During that time, Theda worked as a nurse for Dr. Saxman in the mid-1960's and later working for Dr. Foderick until 1978. Theda then became the primary caregiver of Dean, after he was injured in an accident. In 2005, Dean and Theda moved to Ada where Dean resided at Bridges Care Community and Theda in the Summerfield Apartments. Dean died on May 12, 2007. Theda continued to make her home in Ada until the time of her death.

Some of Theda's favorite things were holiday gatherings, birthdays with her grandkids, and playing cards with her family. Theda was an excellent cook and she especially enjoyed cooking and sharing her delicious southern meals. Theda had many dear friends yet the time she treasured the most was the time she spent with her family; especially her beloved grandchildren.

Theda is survived by a daughter, Cindy and her husband, Dennis Heitman of Ada, MN; two sons, Dwight (Ike) and his wife, Kathy of Princeton, MN and Kent and his wife, Karen of Fargo, ND; She is also survived by a young man that was raised like a son to them, Aaron (AJ) and his wife, Josie Johnson of Princeton, MN; eight grandchildren; a brother, Hershel Fogleman of Homosassa, Florida; three sisters, Norma Jean Gill of Homosassa, Florida, Marian Corbin of Charlton Heights, West Virginia and Margaret Blankenship of Oviedo, Florida and a sister-in-law, Ina Parr of Crookston, MN. Theda's beloved grandchildren are Genna Carlson, Kirstie, Cammy and Alec Carlson, Gretta and Seth Johnson and Luke and Leila Heitman.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and sister, Della Richardson and brother, Edgar Fogleman.

A Gathering in Celebration of Theda's Life was held on Saturday, October 11th at 2:00 PM in SonRise Evangelical Free Church in Ada (Faith United Church Building in Ada).

Inurnment took place in the Twin Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Twin Valley, Minnesota.