Louise Naas

Ruth "Louise" Naas completed her life's journey on March 9, 2011, in Bismarck, ND. Services will be held at 10:00 am Wednesday, March 23, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, with Rev. Nadine Lehr officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Bismarck. Louise was born on May 26, 1915, in Williston, ND, the daughter of Elmo and Ovidia Lokken Brown. When she was eight, Louise was diagnosed with polio. At thirteen, she went to the Shriner's Hospital in Rochester, MN, from October 1928 to February 1929. She was given surgery and treatment, plus fitted with a brace which she refused to wear. Through pure determination, she learned to walk again. She attended Twin Lakes School District in her early years. Her mother was the cook and her father was the custodian. The students and the teachers stayed at the school all week. Louise had lasting friendships and fond memories of these years. Her family later moved to Williston where she graduated from Williston High School and worked part-time at the Williams County Treasurer's Office. She attended Minot Secretarial School and returned to the courthouse to work for 43 years. On June 19, 1938, she married Elliot Naas. To this union, two daughters were born, Fern and Judy, who were her pride and joy. Following her retirement, Louise moved to Portland, OR, with her mother, whom she had cared for from 1941 to 1982. In 1986, she moved to Bismarck to be closer to her immediate family. She leaves behind to treasure her memories her daughter, Judy Mjelstad and a special son-in-law, Marlin, Bismarck; granddaughters, Debbie Tom Sierck, Spencer, IA, Michelle Dustin Maier, Bismarck and grandson, Aaron Kim Mjelstad, Minnetrista, MN; seven great-grandchildren, David Sierck fiancé, Meghan, Spencer, IA, Jamilee Evan Noble, Johnston, IA, Aidan and Anders Mjelstad, Minnetrista, MN, and Mason, Sydney and Anika Maier, Bismarck, ND. She was preceded in death by her father, Elmo; her mother, Ovidia; her daughter, Fern; sister, Eleanor and brother, Harold. Much love and appreciation goes to the people who have provided loving care for the past seven years, Mary and Don Sayler and Iryna and Sherman Servina-Mostad.

Louise Naas

May 26, 1915 - March 9, 2011