Renola Ellig

Renola Hertha Ellig, 83, of Fargo, ND, passed peacefully at Odyssey Hospice, Mesa, AZ, on April 26, 2010. She experienced cardiac complications which led to surgery April 6 at Mountain Vista Medical Center in Mesa. She went to Crismon Peaks Assisted Living Group Home for a few days, returned to Mountain Vista and then Odyssey Hospice where she passed away due to congestive heart failure. Surrounded by her family in the days preceding her death, she entered into heaven in the early morning hours of the 26th. Renola was born to Hertha and Leslie Backer on October 3, 1926, in New Ulm, Minnesota, and resided on the family farm until moving to Lafayette, Minnesota. Renola graduated from Winthrop High School, where she was regarded as a congenial young lady and was honored by her peers as Homecoming Queen her senior year. This genuine popularity was a common thread throughout her life. In subsequent years, she did office work at Tri-County Dairy in Winthrop, clerked at J.C. Penney in Fergus Falls, sold encyclopedias door-to-door and owned and operated art galleries in Fergus Falls and Fargo-Moorhead. She worked at many other jobs, but mostly enjoyed being a Cub Scout Den Mother, directing church dramas and hosting civic and family gatherings. She was an integral contributing part to the early success of Stop-n-Go and Frank McKone Cigar Company. She was artistic, enterprising, enjoyed playing cards and socializing in many women’s groups everywhere she lived. During her marriage of 54 years, she was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother who loved her family, extended family and friends. Her children and grandchildren were the joy of her life as she often told them. She treated them with homemade caramel rolls faithfully every week-end throughout their growing years. Her home, wherever she resided, was a must-stop and sanctuary for her children’s friends. She taught her children by example, the gifts of forgiveness, forbearance, strength of spirit and decency. She knew Christ as her Savior and derived great satisfaction in performing a wide range of church related activities, including youth work, choir and Women’s Auxiliary. In addition, she enjoyed gardening, canning, baking, fishing, blueberry picking, traveling to new places, stimulating and invigorating visits with friends and family. She was the best friend and confidante of scores of people of all ages. She generously prioritized each person’s concerns and interests above her own, never seeking attention or commendation. Her humility and one-of-a-kind investment of herself in her friends made her special. All benefited from her wit and insight. Renola was generous and charitable to civic, educational and non-profit organizations, the most public of which, is the Ellig Sports Complex at North Dakota State University. Renola is survived by her daughter, Vicki Tjaden (David) of Andover, MN; son, Van Ellig (Jo Eve) of Fergus Falls, MN; son, Todd Ellig (DeeAnne) of Horace, ND; seven grandchildren, Joe Ellig (Kelsee), Annemarie Vazquez (Andres), Abigail Tjaden, Amanda Ellig, Alison Owen (Dan), Tracy Ellig, Shannon Ellig; blended family grandchildren, Kathy Johnson (Larry), Brian Tjaden (Jennifer), Lisa Fladeland, Lee Fladeland; blended family great- grandchildren, Nicole Schuyleman, Parker Tjaden, Erin Johnson, Emily Tjaden, Jaiden Noplos, Ariana Noplos, and Austin Sem; her sister, Mavis Saxton (Glen) of North Mankato, MN; four nieces and nephews; Cindy, Scott, Cheri, Shane and their families; and her special friend, Lloyd Lofgren of Boise, ID. Renola was preceded in death by her parents, Leslie and Hertha Backer and her infant brother, Orville. Visitation will be held Sunday, May 2, 5:00-8:00 p.m. (Prayer Service and Sharing at 7:00) at Hanson Runsvold Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Monday, May 3 at 10:30 a.m. with lunch following at Olivet Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND.