Myrtle Gusta Arness, 86, of Minot, ND died Tuesday, May 12, 2020 at a Minot hospital.

Myrtle was born in Minot the daughter of Oscar and Inga (Nevrost) Hanson on May 23, 1933. She was raised in Lund Township, near Makoti and educated in a rural setting through the eighth grade.

She was united in marriage to Dean Arness on November 21, 1954 at the Plaza Lutheran Church. The couple made Plaza their home where they raised two children, Rodney and Connie. In 1970, the family moved to Grand Forks where Dean worked at Job Service and Myrtle cared for the needs of the home and her children.  Dean died in 1982 and Myrtle moved to Minot soon after his death to be near family. Minot has remained her home since.

Myrtle was an independent personality. She enjoyed sewing, needle point and a good conversation over a cup of coffee with lots of laughter. Myrtle had a passion for dancing and music, whether singing, playing guitar or listening to her large collection of records and tapes. She was a "proud Norwegian" and took advantage of all that the local Hostfest had to offer. She spoke Norwegian at home when younger and learned the traditions in the kitchen as well. Lefse, baked breads, krumkake were all staple traditions in her home.

In recent years, Myrtle has made her home at Edgewood Vista and currently at Minot Health and Rehab.

Myrtle  is survived by two children; Rodney Arness  (Becky Seright), Minot and Connie (Danny) Kopp, Costa Mesa, CA. grandchildren; Dallas (Tyler) Kopp, Costa Mesa, CA. and Shea Kopp, Los Angeles, CA., brother; Ingvald (Vickie) Hanson, Minot and her loving dog and companion, Button.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Dean Arness.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, we will honor Myrtle's life with a private funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 18, 2020 at the Thomas Family Funeral Home in Minot.

Public graveside service will be held at 12 Noon at the East Community Cemetery at Plaza on Monday, May 18, 2020.

Public Visitation with social distancing will be held Sunday, May 17, 2020 from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home. Please be patient with staff coordinating visitation.

Myrtle Arness Flowers