Ardella N. Voss

Ardella’s story began on June 18th, 1927. First born to the late George and Barbara (Hopkins) Fanta, Ardella grew up on a farm in Tappen, ND, with siblings, Betty, Norlyn, Ken, Don, and Marilee. It is quite evident by looking at pictures that she enjoyed her family and friends. After school she went to Bismarck for a short time before moving to Fargo and working at the telephone company. 

It was Fargo where she met and married Gilbert V. Larson. They Lived in Albert Lea, MN, for three years while Gil owned a fur business. A better opportunity brought them back to Fargo where they worked side by side selling coats, mainly furs, and managing Mandels Department Store. Ardella enjoyed modeling in style shows and going to larger cities where they would purchase dresses and sportswear for the next season. When Gil passed away, she also ended her career and Mandels.

Most importantly she was a terrific mom to their only child, Karen. She was fun, and loved to spend time with Karen and her friends, teaching them how to dance, coordinate clothes and bake cookies. The thing she really enjoyed (until Karen got her license) was hiding in the back seat of the car while dragging Broadway, always threatening to sit up at the next stop light.

She had a passion for Paul Harvey, Elvis, growing African Violets, fashion, dancing and the color blue. She did not like gambling, gossip, clutter, dandelions, and not following the “Rule” of wearing white after Labor Day. Ardell’s favorite thing to eat was anything BBQ’d, Almond Joy candy bars and her favorite drink was Brandy. 

In 1979 she married another Gil from Campbell, MN. She and Gil Voss lived on his farm until they moved to Breckenridge in 2005. Her favorite band was “On the Mend” which Gil played in for 35 years, mainly at nursing and veteran homes. They were members of the United Church of Christ in Wahpeton where they enjoyed helping in fund raising projects, mainly making pies, and doing pancake breakfasts. 

Ardella was kind and very laid back, not letting anything upset her. She moved to Serenity Assisted Care in Dilworth in 2017 where she gained many friends, both residents and staff. She passed away January 12, 2022, at Serenity with a staff member by her side.

She is survived by daughter, Karen Winter; grandchildren, Joe, and David (Lindsey) Winter, all of Dilworth, MN; brother, Don (Marcia), Tappen, ND, and sister, Marilee (Will) Domier, Henning, MN.

She was preceded in death by husbands, Gil Larson, and Gil Voss; brothers, Norlyn and Ken Fanta; sister, Betty Alsleben; and son-in-law, Ron Winter.

Ardella was also under the compassionate care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

This is not a paid public announcement but if you are in need of assisted living where you want the most caring and awesome staff who treat you like family, good food, and a clean environment, visit Serenity in Dilworth and tell them Ardella sent you.

We invite you to join us at her service which will be held at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN, January 27, 2022, at 11:00 AM with a viewing one hour before the service. Masks are encouraged and a livestream of the service will be available here on Ardella’s page.