Darlene Knutson Ritz, 85, lifelong Minot resident died on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 in a Minot hospital.

Margaret Darlene Noren was born on March 21, 1932 in Minot to Leonard and Mildred (Smith) Noren. She was reared in Minot, attended St. Leo's Elementary School and graduated from St. Leo's High School in 1950.

Darlene married Darrel K. Knutson on November 11, 1950 in Minot. They made their home in Minot and were the proud parents of Keith and Karen. Darrel died on February 22, 1976. Darlene married George Ritz on August 23, 1979. From this union she became the adoptive mother of Rodney Ritz. They made their home in Minot. George died on July 10, 1981.

During her early years, Darlene was employed at Westland Oil, KMOT, as secretary for St. Leo's School for 20 years, Reub's Camera Photo Shop and was proud to be one of the first employees of Walmart when it opened in Minot. She worked in the Electronics Department of Walmart prior to her retirement.

Darlene was an active member of St. Leo's Catholic Church and its Confraternity of Christian Mothers. Also, she was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, Women of the Moose Lodge, Elk's Lodge Auxiliary and supported the Humane Society.

Darlene was a very independent woman who was most often seen with her son, Rodney. She was an avid fan of the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. She assisted her husband, Darrel, in organizing the first Lunder's Kiddyland Little League Baseball team. She especially enjoyed playing Bingo, cards, board games and "One-Armed Bandits" as well as camping, fishing and writing poetry. A highlight for her was watching her grandchildren's activities and she was extremely proud of their successful accomplishments as adults.

Darlene's loving family includes her children: Keith (Lori) Knutson, Karen (James) Ayash and Rodney Ritz all of Minot; stepchildren: Randy Ritz and Richard Ritz (Brenda Stein) all of Minot; grandchildren: Matthew (Leslie) Knutson, Bradley Knutson (Tonya Lyon), Eric (Margaret) Knutson, Scott (Beth) Ayash, Andrew Ayash (Jami Sawicki), Janna Ayash, Raumie Ritz and Rikki Ritz; great grandchildren: Quinn, Marcus, Avery and Amalia Knutson; Adeline and Abbott Ayash; Brennah and Gavin Ritz, Shayah Goettle and Alaina Andrade; brother-in-law: Kenneth Jr. (Jan) Knutson and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents; husbands: Darrel Knutson and George Ritz; infant daughter: Lori Knutson and sisters: Pauline Rivinius, Lois Erdmann and Jackie Erickson.

Visitation: Sunday, April 30, 2017 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. in St. Leo's Catholic Church- Minot.

Recitation of the Rosary, Vigil Prayer Service and Sharing of Memories: Sunday at 4:00 p.m. in St. Leo's Catholic Church.

Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, May 1, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Leo's Catholic Church - Minot.

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park - Minot

Memorials are preferred to St. Leo's Catholic Church or the Souris Valley Animal Shelter.