Leona Lillian Haugstad, 90, Minot, formerly of the Ryder area, died Sunday, March 6, 2011 in a Minot Hospital.

Leona was born November 10, 1920 at Ryder, North Dakota, the daughter of Charles and Laura (Peterson) Ristvedt. She was raised and educated at Ryder and graduated from high school there in 1938. She attended Minot State Teachers College and graduated with a degree in secondary education. She began her teaching career at Maddock and later taught at Columbus and Kenmare.

Leona was united in marriage to Armand Haugstad on August 4, 1946 at Ryder. They made their home at Noonan, where they both taught for three years. They soon moved to Minot, and continued teaching in the Minot Public School system until 1969. Leona was an English Arts instructor. They moved to Austin, MN and taught there for a number of years until retiring in 1981. They settled back in Minot in 1983, spending a number of winters in Arizona. Armand died October 22, 1997. Leona had most recently been a resident of The View.

Leona was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Minot, Sons of Norway, Minot Elks Lodge and Moose Lodge, as well as the American Legion. Leona was a wonderful pianist and had a deep love for music. She enjoyed reading and traveling, along with spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Her loving family includes , children, Harold (Darlene) Haugstad, Minot, Duane (Rita) Haugstad, Minot, Kay Lundquist, Minneapolis, MN; grandchildren, Nicholas Lundquist, Kyle Haugstad and Jason (Amy)Ness; Great-Grandchildren, Ryen and Tori Ness.

Leona was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter, Laura Lee Haugstad, infant son, Lynn Haugstad, sister, Marjorie Holte and brother, Paul Ristvedt.

Funeral service : Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. in First Presbyterian Church, Minot.
Interment : Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: Tuesday from 2:00-7:00 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
In lieu of flowers or plants the family prefers memorials be designated to the March of Dimes, St. Jude's Children's Hospital or an organization of the donor's choice.