Ara Hartsoch, 100, of Tioga, ND passed away on Friday, January 9, 2026 at the Tioga Long Term Nursing Home in Tioga, ND.

Ara Iola Hartsoch was born February 23, 1925 in a shed called “the laundry room” behind her grandparents’ house south of Tioga and just north of the Beaver Creek Church attended by midwife, Mrs. Stockman. Her parents were Lloyd and Olga (Strand) Hartsoch. Ara was their first born and a couple years later brother Arvey came and a few years later Rose Marie (Marie) joined the family. They moved to different farmsteads in the Ray and Tioga area. Her first Sunday School program was at Bethany Church south of Tioga area.

Ara graduated from Ray High School in 1944 and was employed by the Ray Bank after graduation. On August 4, 1945 she married the love of her life Earl Lincoln Hartsoch. She never did change her name! After Earl was discharged from the Army they settled in the Nesson Valley to farm and ranch. In 1960’s they built a new house a few miles south of the Kota Ray Dam. They were blessed with their family of three, Maureen, Arley and Deborah. Throughout the years they also were blessed with many foster children with Dennis Marmon being the longest one living with them and becoming like a son and brother. Ara was a wonderful cook and baker. She baked her wheat and sourdough bread, Juneberry pies and cookies for Lund’s Landing for years and also for many neighbors. She excelled in sewing, crocheting and quilting. She said she wished she had kept a count of the loaves, pies, buns and quilts she had made! They attended the Beaver Creek Lutheran Church all their years. She was the church Treasurer for many years as well as being a member of Ladies Aid and an officer. She was active gardener throughout her life. She helped in a big garden sale with neighbor ladies for several years in her later years. She enjoyed dressing up as Miss Abigail from Zap, ND. If you missed seeing that, you missed a very fun entertaining time! Throughout her life she loved the Lord and people. Always content, grateful, and patient.

The Lord carried her through many sicknesses; an aneurysm, lymphoma and congestive heart failure; however, the Lord blessed her with a long life of almost 101 years! Ara really enjoyed her 100-year birthday celebration and was hoping to make it 101 years. She lost Earl after 59 years of marriage. Ara entered the Tioga LTC almost 8 years ago. She was so thankful for all the loving care received there. She continued crocheting for most of those years making her hand towels and visiting the staff and residents and visitors.

She leaves behind daughters, Maureen (Larry) Severson of Roseau, MN and Debbie (Jim) Jacob of Burns, WY; daughter-in-law, Cheryl Hartsoch of Ray, ND; foster son, Dennis (Patsy) Marmon of Williston, ND; grandchildren, Laureen (Steve) Byron, Royce Severson, Kent (Alicia) Severson, Heidi (Dan) Hernandez, Brent Hartsoch, Sara (Jason) Peterson, Daniel (Amanda) Hartsoch, Erik (Amy) Hartsoch, James (Veronica) Jacob, Paul (Megan) Jacob, Michael (Bonnie) Jacob and Kevin (Colleen) Jacob; twenty three great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren; brother in law, Jack (Doris) Hartsoch and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceding Ara in death is her beloved husband, Earl; parents, Lloyd and Olga; son, Arley; brother, Arvey and Iona Hartsoch; sister, Marie and Wayne Vance; in-laws, Alice and Herman Hartsoch; brother-in-law, Derald Hartoch; nephew Craig Hartsoch; niece Arlene Kingstad and great niece Laurie Hartsoch.