Ardis Leaf

Ardis Jean Leaf, age 70, of Willmar, died Thursday evening, October 10, at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 15, at First Lutheran Church of Norway Lake. Interment will be at West Norway Lake Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. on Monday, October 14, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Ardis Jean Leaf was born on December 29, 1942, in Willmar, Minnesota, the daughter of William and Esther (Lohn) Railson. She grew up on the family farm in Lake Andrew Township, was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church of Norway Lake and graduated from New London High School in 1960. On January 14, 1961, Ardis was united in marriage to Keith P. Erickson and to this union, they were blessed with four children, Tammy, Terri, James and Cindy. They made their home in the rural communities of Spicer, Willmar and New London where Ardis worked hard as a homemaker. On June 25, 1982, Ardis was united in marriage to Duane Leaf and they lived in Willmar. Ardis was employed part time at Wallace's Clothing and for 25 years at K-Mart, retiring in 2003. Following Duanes death in 2005, Ardis moved into the Sterling Manor Senior Apartments. Throughout her life, she was an active member of First Lutheran Church of Norway Lake.

Ardis was a devoted mother to her children who made sure everything was just right for them. She had a fond love for flowers and animals, especially cats. She enjoyed baking caramel and cinnamon rolls, oatmeal raisin cookies and homemade breads and buns. Ardis will be remembered for being quick witted, generous and kind to others; having a good memory and sense of humor; a hard worker; and her strong faith. She enjoyed traveling with her family and friends and was active in women's league softball and bowling.

She is survived by three daughters, Tammy Sullivan (and Bob Howell) of Coon Rapids, Terri Erickson of Little Canada and Cindy (and Craig) Uecker of Silver Lake; her children's father, Keith Erickson of Willmar; six grandchildren, Lindsey (and Steve) Clem, Tara Sullivan, Kati Cartier, Amy Cartier, Beau (and Yesenia) Erickson and Luke Erickson; and seven great grandchildren, Samantha, Rachel, Mallory, Alexis, James Paul II, Beau Jr. and Bjorn. Also surviving is one brother, Kendall (and Sherlet) Railson of Spicer; one brother-in-law, Raymond Mitchell of Spicer; two nephews, Randy Mitchell and Joshua Railson; one niece, Stacy (and Ken) Nietfeld and one great niece, Chole Nietfeld, besides other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Duane; her son, James; one sister, Carol Ann Mitchell and one son-in-law, Michael Sullivan.