Ardis Knutson was born July 3, 1939 in Holland, MN to Elmer and Alvina (Weinkauf) Thomas. She grew up on the family farm and attended school in Holland.

On June 11, 1959, Ardis was united in marriage to Norman Knutson at St. James Lutheran Church in Holland, MN. They lived and worked in Sioux Falls, SD in 1960 where their son, Samuel was born. Then for a time they lived in Marshall, MN, where their daughter, Mary was born in 1961, before moving to Minneapolis, MN. She kept very busy taking care of her family and having several jobs. In the early 1970's, she started working as a machine operator at the Powell Candy Company. In the fall of 1993, due to health reasons, she was forced to retire from her job of twenty years. In February of 1994, she relocated to Rapid City, SD.

Ardis lived in an apartment for a few years until her failing health prompted her to move into Beverly Health Care Center. While there she kept busy helping out in the laundry department, playing bingo, going on gambling trips to Deadwood with her friends, and serving as president of the Resident Council. She resided there until she passed away on October 31, 2006 at the age of 67 years, 3 months, and 28 days.

Although being plagued with several health issues, caused by diabetes, Ardis never gave up her love of life and being with people. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She was very proud of her grandchildren and loved to share their recent photos and stories with her friends.

Grateful for having shared her life are her children, Sam and wife Madaline; Mary Corneliuson and husband, Troy. Her grandchildren, Dusty and wife, Amanda; Maeghan and Samantha Knutson; Cameron and Kyle Corneliuson; brothers, Edwin Thomas and wife, Lois; Frank Thomas and wife, Phyllis; David Thomas; Alvin Thomas and wife, Ellen; sisters, Ellen Fett; Elener Mueller; Faye Dehler; Evelyn Schmidt; Carol Courtney and husband, Ralph; sister-in-law, Carol Thomas; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman; her parents; brothers, James; Kenneth; and Richard Thomas; and an infant brother; sisters, Mille Thomas; and Sharla Thomas.

Memorial service at Birk Funeral Home in Canby on Saturday, November 4, 2006.

Inurnment at Grandview Cemetery in Gary, SD.

Online condolences at www.birkfuneralhome.com.