Violet Mergenthal, age 81, of Twin Valley, MN, died Saturday, October 4, 2014, in Benedictine Care Community, Ada, MN.

Violet Ann Freeland was born February 7, 1933, the daughter of Marcus and Esther (Ramsfield) Freeland near Cummings, ND, where she grew up and attended school. As a young woman, Violet worked with her parents on their farm to help support the family. On November 24, 1951, Violet was united in marriage to Larkin Mergenthal. The couple made their home on Larkin's parent's farm near Hillsboro, ND, where they raised their three daughters. Over the years Violet and Larkin lived in the Ada, Flom and Kief, ND, communities while Larkin worked various jobs. At each of his jobs, Violet assisted him as his bookkeeper. Upon his retirement, they moved to the Twin Valley area. Larkin died July 11, 2010, and Violet continued to make her home in Twin Valley until just recently entering the Benedictine Care Community.

In the 1970's, while living in Twin Valley, Violet was employed at the Lutheran Memorial Nursing home for over 40 years, as a Certified Nursing Assistant, until she was not physically able to work due to an auto accident injury.

Violet will long be remembered for her wonderful baking and the unselfish time she would devote to a phone call with family and friends. Violet's devotion to her husband and family was a unique love displayed for all learn from. She truly cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Violet is survived by two daughters, Vickie (Steve) Crompton of Borup, MN and Linda "Pep" Bina of Grand Forks, ND; 13 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; a brother, Richard (Sandy) Freeland of Longs, SC; two sisters, Jane (Bob) Hill of Bremerton, WA and Gloria (Bill) Norrs of Milaca, MN and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband; a daughter, Verna; two grandchildren, Nicki Jensen and Michael Taylor; two great-grandchildren, Karlie Kvien and Mia Jensen; two brothers, Everette and Mervin; and three sisters, Jeanette, Marcella and Vivian.

Funeral Services were held on Friday, October 10, 2014, at 3:00 p.m. in Anderson Family Funeral Home, Twin Valley. Visitation was one hour prior to the service on Friday. Officiating was Pastor Mike Rueckert.

Inurnment was in the Ada Cemetery.