Obituary: Lettie Annell

Lettie Kathleen Annell, 90 years old, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family on Tuesday, April 13, 2021. Lettie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend.

Lettie was born at home, on the farm, to Everett and Dollie Hahn in Minnewaukan, N.D. on Feb. 21, 1931. She attended St. James Catholic Boarding School in New Rockford, N.D. She attended Minot State Teachers College, where she received her teaching certificate.

Lettie met Arvid while attending Minot State Teachers School. On a blizzardy day, January 27, 1951, Arvid and Lettie were married in Minnewaukan. The newlyweds were snowed in at her parents' home until the blizzard lifted. Arvid and Lettie were married 38 years, until his passing in 1989. They raised six children and buried two newborn babies.

As a young adult, Lettie was a teacher in small, one-room schoolhouses. She boarded with families in the area while working as a teacher. Later, when raising their children, she earned extra income by ironing, sewing, babysitting, and banquet waitressing. She eventually opened her own business, Draperies by Lettie. She operated her drapery business until she retired at the age of 75. She took great pride in her work. She was known for her wonderful workmanship and reputation. In her retirement days, she returned to New Rockford to be closer to her sisters. There she opened a second-hand store at the Senior Center. She saw the store as a great opportunity to meet people. She ran the store until she moved to Bedford, Texas to live with her daughter, Julie Benning. She had a cottage home that was decorated wonderfully in her tasteful style. She truly had a flair for the beautiful and seasonal décor.

In her later years, she had two incredibly special friendships. Larry Sieg was her friend and companion until his death. He always made her feel special and loved. Barb Niess was her close friend and worked with her in the drapery shop.

Lettie was preceded in death by her brothers, Stanley and Everett, Jr.; sisters, Marjorie and Donna Lou; her husband Arvid; and children Eugene and Theresa (both newborns); Danette and Marty; and Beth, her granddaughter.

Lettie is survived by her sister, Janice Reis; her children; Connie (Gary) Ulland, Kristi (Ritchie) Ronnie, Julie (Darrin) Benning, and Erik Annell, eight grandchildren, Lyndon Lach, Courtney Ulvin, Jeff Bonogofsky, LaNaya Bonogofsky, Tandy Sexton, Kyle Cross, Cameron Annell, and Logan Annell, and nine great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in New Rockford, N.D. on Friday, May 7, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service.

Graveside services will be at Rosehill Cemetery, section 21, in Minot, N.D. on Saturday, May 8 at 1:00 p.m. Deacon Steve from Our Lady of Grace will be officiating.

Memorials can be made to St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in New Rockford, or Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Minot.