Ethel Ramstad

Ethel Saure Ramstad of Grand Forks, ND and formerly of Shelly, Minnesota died Saturday, August 5, 2023 at Valley Senior Living on 42nd in Grand Forks, ND.

Ethel Gladys Saure was born November 20, 1923, at the Deaconess Hospital in Grand Forks, ND to Einar and Borghild (Haugen) Saure of Reynolds, ND.  She was baptized December 9, 1923, and confirmed November 14, 1937 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church of rural Reynolds, ND.  Ethel attended country school at Americus District 21 and graduated in 1941 from Reynolds High School.  Following her graduation Ethel attended Aakers Business College of Grand Forks.  She worked for 13 years at Red River Produce/Land O’Lakes in Grand Forks.  She married Elmore Ramstad at St. Olaf Lutheran Church on January 28, 1956.  They lived in Shelly, MN for 51 years.  Ethel was employed as a bookkeeper for 20 years in Climax, MN for Independent School District #592 until her retirement in 1988.

The couple had one daughter, Elaine Gayle Ramstad of Grand Forks. In 2006 Ethel and Elmore moved to Grand Forks to be near their daughter.  

Ethel was a member of the Shelly Marsh River Lutheran Church serving with WELCA, Bible studies, and Altar Guild. She also taught Sunday School.  Ethel was involved with the Shelly Senior Citizens, Halstad Lutheran Memorial Home Auxiliary, Sognefjord Lag, Western Minnesota Steam Threshers, Shelly Birthday Club, and the Shelly Study Club.  She was also a Campfire Girls Leader. 

After moving to Grand Forks, she became a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and the Ruth Circle. 

Ethel loved to travel. She travelled extensively before marriage and she and Elmore traveled to Norway twice.  She enjoyed quilting at the SMR Church and made many quilts for children of relatives and friends.  She also loved to bake and give away her treats.  In retirement, Ethel became an ardent reader. 

Ethel is survived by her daughter, Elaine and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmore, siblings Alvin Ordean Saure, Marie Saure Hagen, and Einar Gordon Saure and foster siblings Alvin Johnson and Helen Johnson Frances. 

Services are Private. 

The family requests no flowers.  Memorials may be directed to: 

Clear Waters Life Center                                   Valley Senior Living

256 2nd Ave., SW                      OR                   4004 24th Ave South

PO Box 155                                                       Grand Forks, North Dakota    58201

Clearbrook, MN 56634 

To view a video tribute of Ethel's life, click on the link below

https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/MTF4TQKZ7HCYCS66