Ethyl Marian Aasen, 89, Alexander, ND, passed away Sept. 7, 2018 at the Eventide Heartland Care Center, Devils Lake, ND. Ethyl was born on Sept. 12, 1928 to Fred and Clara (Gray) James on the family farm. She began country school and when it closed moved to Alexander Public School where she graduated in 1946. Ethyl got a degree from Grand Forks Business College and returned to work in Williston. She married Charles Aasen on October 2, 1949 and they enjoyed 61 years together on their farm west of Alexander where they raised four children, Beverly, Barbara, Wade and Judi.

Ethyl was a lifelong active member of Trinity Lutheran Church. She served by teaching, cooking, cleaning, and doing clerical work on committees. Ethyl spent a lot of time helping with farm chores as well as sewing, quilting, cooking, baking, canning and supporting and attending all her children’s activities.

Ethyl’s passions were music, dancing, camping and having coffee with her family and friends. In their later years Ethyl and Charles enjoyed traveling to places of special interest. Their grandchildren and great grandchildren played a big part in their lives as well.

Surviving family members include one son, Wade Aasen, Alexander, ND; three daughters, Beverly Westphal (Wayne), Fargo, Barbara Rued (Douglas), Minot, ND, Judith Veeder (Wade), Pilot Point, TX: seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one brother, Roland James, Az. ; and one sister, Lois Costello, Az.

Ethyl was preceded in death by her husband, parents, a grand-daughter, Rebekah Westphal; and siblings; Jeanette, Clarice, Iona, Edith, Edla, Frederick and Ben.